AS 2870 residential site classification reports
Site-specific classification for new homes, extensions and granny flats, with a 24-hour report option after fieldwork for suitable confirmed scopes.
From $750Service details →
Geotechnical engineers · Sydney & NSW
Know the ground.
Build with confidence.
Clear geotechnical investigations, site classification reports and construction advice for homeowners, builders and developers.
- Registered Australian business
- Reports aligned with relevant Australian Standards
- Fast turnaround across Sydney & NSW
Illustrative site profileInvestigation summary
TEST LOCATIONBH01
GROUND LEVELRL 42.60 m
METHODAuger + DCP
0 m1234
FILLSilty clay, trace gravel
RESIDUAL SOILStiff clay, low–medium plasticity
WEATHERED ROCKShale / siltstone profile
BH01DCP BLOWS / 100 mm123456
Ground conditions, interpreted clearlyField observations · test results · design recommendations
Not sure where to start?
Speak with us before requesting a quote
Tell us what your builder, engineer, certifier or council has requested. We will help identify an appropriate scope—without pressure to proceed.
Call (02) 9133 1329Email plans or documents →Direct discussion · Clear next steps · No obligation
What we do
Geotechnical services for your project
Focused scopes, clear communication and practical recommendations—from early design through construction.
Project-specific geotechnical investigation reports
AS 1726 investigations, boreholes, soil sampling and practical foundation recommendations across Greater, Western and South West Sydney.
Fixed-fee quoteService details →
Construction inspections
Footing, foundation, earthworks, compaction and retaining-wall inspections with clear written findings.
From $450Service details →
Slope stability assessments
Assessment of natural and constructed slopes, cuts, fills and development impacts, with practical risk-reduction recommendations.
Fixed-fee quoteService details →
Retaining-wall advice
Geotechnical parameters, earth-pressure advice and review support for proposed or existing retaining structures.
Scope-basedService details →
DA and CDC support
Clear geotechnical documentation to help builders, designers, certifiers and approval authorities progress your project.
Scope-basedService details →
Percolation testing
Field infiltration and percolation testing to support stormwater, wastewater and on-site absorption design.
Scope-basedService details →
Working platform assessments
Ground assessment and platform recommendations for piling rigs, cranes and construction plant, informed by BR 470.
Scope-basedService details →
For builders, designers and project teams
Practical geotechnical input for your project
Send the site address, current plans and the specific design, inspection or approval request. We can define a proportionate investigation scope for your project team without relying on generic assumptions.
- AS 2870 site classification and residential footing information
- Geotechnical investigations, retaining-wall and slope advice
- Construction inspections and project-specific verification
- DA / CDC geotechnical support for documented approval requests
Prepare a clearer project brief
Share the information that matters
- Site address and proposed development
- Architectural, structural or site plans
- Any council, certifier or designer request
- Access constraints and the required scope, if known
Geotechnical resources
Clear guidance before you build
Practical information for Sydney homeowners and project teams—written to explain the decision, not replace project-specific advice.
How much does a geotechnical report cost in Sydney?
Compare a residential site classification with a broader investigation and understand the factors that shape a quotation.
Read the Sydney cost guide →A, S, M, H1, H2, E and P explained
Understand the AS 2870 site classes and why the result matters to residential footing and slab design.
Understand site classifications →Do I need a geotechnical report for a retaining wall?
Learn when wall geometry, slope, surcharge, drainage and nearby structures can require project-specific ground advice.
Read the retaining wall guide →Soil & lot classification from $750Site classification pricingBuilding a new house?Council report requirements
View all geotechnical resources →Find the appropriate starting point
What does your project need?
Choose the closest project type for practical guidance. The final scope is always assessed against your site, plans and actual project requirements.
Builder, engineer or certifier? View the project-information checklist →A simple process
From enquiry to clear advice
We make the technical process straightforward and keep you informed at each stage.
- 1
Tell us about the site
Send the address, project description and any available plans or approval request.
- 2
Receive a clear scope
We confirm what is needed, the fixed fee and the likely timing before you proceed.
- 3
Fieldwork and analysis
We attend the site, coordinate testing where required and assess the results.
- 4
Receive your report
You receive practical findings and recommendations for your project team.
Ground insight.
Engineering clarity.
Engineering clarity.
About Sydney Geotechnical
Professional advice, explained clearly
Sydney Geotechnical is an independently owned practice serving clients across Greater Sydney and New South Wales. We focus on proportionate investigations, defensible engineering judgement and reports that are useful to homeowners, designers, builders and approval authorities.
Relevant standardsScopes and reporting informed by AS 1726 and AS 2870 where applicable.
Practical communicationClear limitations, findings and next steps—without unnecessary jargon.
Responsive serviceDirect communication from initial enquiry through to reporting.
Service area
Greater Sydney, Wollongong and NSW
Based in South West Sydney and available for projects throughout metropolitan Sydney, the Illawarra and surrounding regions.
Check availability for your suburb →Macarthur & South West SydneyCampbelltown, Camden, Liverpool and nearby suburbs →Western SydneyPenrith, Blacktown and surrounding areas →Parramatta & Hills DistrictParramatta, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and nearby suburbs →Sutherland ShireSutherland, Miranda, Cronulla, Menai and nearby suburbs →Wollongong & IllawarraWollongong, Shellharbour and the Illawarra region →Blue MountainsSloping sites, sandstone terrain and hillside development →Northern Beaches & Eastern SuburbsCoastal ground, restricted access and residential redevelopment →
Common questions
What clients ask before getting started
Still unsure what your project needs? Send the request you received from your engineer, certifier or council and we can help define the scope.
Email your documents →When is a geotechnical report needed?+
A report may be requested by your structural engineer, certifier or council for footing design, a site classification, a sloping site, retaining works or where ground conditions are uncertain. Send us your plans or approval request and we can recommend an appropriate scope.
How much does a geotechnical report cost in Sydney?+
A standard AS 2870 residential site classification report starts from $750 and a single construction inspection from $450. Project-specific geotechnical investigations are quoted according to access, development size, drilling depth, laboratory testing and required deliverables. We confirm a fixed quote before work begins.
What soil testing is needed for a new home in Sydney?+
A residential project commonly needs an AS 2870 site classification based on a site investigation, soil description and assessment of expected ground movement. Laboratory testing may be added where it materially informs the classification. The footing designer uses the report for slab and footing design.
Which areas do you service?+
We service Greater Sydney and projects across New South Wales, including Western Sydney, South West Sydney, the Hills, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Sutherland Shire, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
What should I send for a quote?+
The site address, a short description of the proposed works, available architectural or structural drawings, and any council or certifier request. Photos of access constraints are also useful.
Do you work with homeowners and builders?+
Yes. Sydney Geotechnical supports homeowners, builders, designers, structural engineers and developers, from residential additions to larger development investigations.
Does the $750 starting price apply to every soil test?+
No. The $750 starting price applies specifically to a suitable AS 2870 site classification scope. Broader geotechnical investigations, percolation testing, laboratory testing and other field assessments are scoped and priced separately.
Is a 24-hour site classification report available?+
A 24-hour report turnaround option may be available after fieldwork for suitable site-classification scopes. It must be confirmed before booking and remains subject to availability, site conditions and any required laboratory testing.
Can builders, architects or engineers send a project brief directly?+
Yes. Builders, architects, structural engineers and certifiers can send the site address, current drawings and the exact design, inspection or approval request. We use that information to identify a project-specific scope and quotation.
Can a neighbouring property determine my site classification?+
No. Fill, drainage, trees, slope, excavation and variations in the soil profile can differ between adjacent properties. A site classification should be based on the proposed development and the actual conditions assessed for that site.
Request a quote
Email your project details
Send your name, phone number, site address and the service required. Attach any available plans or the exact request from your council, certifier, builder or engineer.
- Clear scope and fee confirmed before work begins
- Attach PDF, JPG or PNG plans directly to your email
- Fast turnaround with timing confirmed for your project
- Direct response from Sydney Geotechnical
Prefer to speak first?
Call (02) 9133 1329 →