Geotechnical services for every stage of your project
We focus on residential projects: new homes, ADUs, additions, decks, pools, and septic systems, with select commercial work as well. All photos below were taken on our own job sites across Northern California.
Soil Reports & Geotechnical Studies
The foundation of every safe home project, from ADUs and additions to new custom houses. Our reports are signed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer and accepted by building departments across Northern California.
- Subsurface exploration: borings and test pits with full soil logging
- Foundation type and bearing-capacity recommendations
- Seismic design parameters per the California Building Code
- Expansive-soil evaluation and slab/foundation mitigation measures
- Grading, drainage, and retaining-wall recommendations
- Reports for garages, workshops, and detached outbuildings
Liquefaction Studies
When loose, water-saturated soils are shaken by an earthquake, they can temporarily behave like a liquid, and structures above them can settle or tilt. Homes inside state-designated Seismic Hazard Zones require a site-specific evaluation before permits are issued.
- Site-specific liquefaction-potential analysis
- Estimated seismic settlement and lateral-spreading evaluation
- Mitigation recommendations for foundations and ground improvement
- Reports formatted for city and county plan-check requirements
Compaction Testing
Fill that isn't properly compacted settles, taking foundations, slabs, and driveways with it. We verify in the field that your compacted fill meets the specifications on your grading plan.
- Field density testing of engineered fill, subgrade, and trench backfill
- Laboratory moisture–density (Proctor) curves per ASTM standards
- Fill placement and grading observation with daily field reports
- Final compaction reports for building-department sign-off
Percolation Testing
A percolation test measures how quickly water drains through the soil (the time it takes for the water level in a test hole to drop one inch). County health departments require it before approving residential septic systems, and it informs stormwater and drainage design.
- Perc tests for septic system and leach-field approval
- Infiltration rates for stormwater and drainage design
- Coordination with county environmental health requirements
Drilling & Pier Observation
Hillside homes, decks, and structures on weak soils often bear on drilled piers. We observe drilling operations to confirm each pier reaches competent material at the depth your engineer specified.
- On-site pier and grade-beam drilling observation
- OSHA-certified shoring
- Verification of embedment depth and bearing material
- Field memos and letters for the building inspector's file
Inspections & Consultation
We stay with your project after the report is delivered, through construction, inspections, and final approval.
- Foundation plan review and foundation inspection
- Drainage and grading inspection
- Crushed-rock inspection for garages and driveways
- Final inspection and compliance letters
- Report updates and revisions when your design or footprint changes
- Construction meetings and immediate telephone consultation
Not sure which service you need?
Tell us about your home project and we'll scope exactly what your building department requires, nothing more.