While not standard for the average Australian home, basements are fast becoming the simplest way to maximise space in new builds. This is especially the case in crowded cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and even Brisbane.
The space you create by designing a basement under your home can be used for just about anything, such as additional living quarters or a climate-controlled wine cellar. As with any new build, planning to add a basement to your new build will require the comprehensive soil test Melbourne regulations dictate. This post highlights why this is crucial.
Understanding What Soil Testing Involves in Australia
Australia may be known for many things. Enormous insects and extreme weather conditions are just two of these. What few people know, however, is that Australia has some of the most diverse soil on the planet.
This means that we don’t just have regular dirt, but rather sandy loams, severely reactive clays, high water tables, and subterranean rock shelves. Unstable soil can make blind building (without a soil test) a nightmare. Since some soil types are better suited to sustaining the weight of a structure, a series of soil tests needs to be done.
Various types of soil tests will determine whether the ground in the area of your home, commercial building, or basement will be able to hold the intended weight, even in harsh weather conditions such as floods and winds.
Essential for Keeping Your Basement Stable
Our experts have compiled a list of the top reasons why opting for the relevant soil testing is a non-negotiable, especially if your build includes a basement.
1. Soil Testing Identifies Reactive Soils
A large part of Australia’s residential land rests on reactive clay. When soil is deemed reactive, it means that the soil reacts significantly to climate change. For instance, bouts of high rainfall will see the soil expanding considerably and then shrinking during the dry, hotter periods.
When this happens, it can lead to cracking in your basement foundation, which will eventually move up to the rest of your home’s structure. Once a soil test confirms that reactive soil is present, your geotechnical engineer will be able to choose the most effective engineering techniques to counter these extensive movements. This can include adding concrete or supports to the foundation.
2. Helps to Manage the Water Table
Another factor to consider when you’re planning a basement for your build is the height of the water table in the specific area. This is essential to know because trying to build in a high-water table means you will be digging straight into the “pool” of the groundwater. This will not only make your building unstable but will also see high levels of moisture seeping into walls, compromising the overall structure.
To counter this, your geotechnical engineering team will adjust the specific types of waterproofing systems used. They will also improve the sub-surface drainage before the foundation or structure walls are poured.
3. Saves You Money in the Long Run
It’s essential to highlight that the required soil test for a basement typically involves boreholes of 3 to 6 meters. This is considerably higher than that of a standard house foundation. This then means that the cost may be higher. Knowing this allows you to adjust your budget accordingly.
Keep in mind that the cost of not doing the required soil test will be considerably more. This is because not amending your building techniques can cause issues that will be costly to repair or redo. In addition to this, redo’s can delay your building project and subsequently you or your tenants being able to move into the home.
Failing to perform the necessary soil tests can result in you having to deal with the following:
- Denial of the necessary building permits
- Tradespeople unable to work on uncoded sights
- Future insurance claims are being denied due to negligence in the building phase
- Structural red flags appearing early on (walls cracking, foundation sinking)
- Higher risk of emergency repairs during and after the building process
- Damage to the building during bouts of heavy rain or wind
4. Soil Tests Are the Law
As we’ve already mentioned, specific soil tests are regulated, making them mandatory for the issuing of building permits. It’s also worth pointing out that the Australian Standard AS 2870
(Residential Slabs and Footings) The National Construction Code (NCC) have designed a stringent framework for how residential and commercial structures are built.
These rules are even stricter for basements as the overall build requires more depth. This, in turn, means that your engineering team will be digging closer to the water table, putting your building more at risk of moisture penetration, mould growth, and flooding. This makes the right building techniques crucial.
Final Thoughts
Many Australians are opting to add a basement to their modern homes. In addition to providing valuable square footage, which can be used for anything from storage to an extra living space. Before building, it’s essential to invest in the required soil tests, as this will ensure that the ground holding your basement is both stable and safe!
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