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Request a quoteResidential soil testing · Sydney & NSW
Soil & Lot Classification Sydney
Standard AS 2870 Site Classification From $750
Homeowners, builders and buyers often search for a “soil classification” or “lot classification”. The formal report commonly required for residential footing and slab design is an AS 2870 site classification. Sydney Geotechnical provides project-specific assessment and clear reporting for suitable new homes, extensions, granny flats and residential redevelopment.
Suitable standard residential scopeFrom $750Technical referenceAS 2870 site classificationCoverageGreater Sydney & NSW
Different search terms, one clear service
Soil classification, lot classification or site classification?
These phrases are commonly used for the ground assessment requested before residential footing or slab design. “Soil test” usually describes the field investigation in everyday language. “Lot classification” describes the result owners expect for their block. Under AS 2870, the professional deliverable is generally called a site classification.
The classification is not a generic suburb rating. It is based on the proposed development, the conditions investigated at the property and relevant features such as fill, drainage, trees, slope, previous earthworks and abnormal moisture conditions.
What the assessment covers
A useful report starts with the actual lot
The scope should provide the information your footing designer needs without treating every Sydney property as identical.
Site observations
Slope, drainage, vegetation, existing structures, access and visible evidence of fill or disturbance are reviewed where relevant.
See what happens on site →Subsurface investigation
Appropriate field methods are selected to assess the soil profile, fill, natural ground, weathered material or shallow rock.
Understand residential soil testing →Engineering interpretation
The results are interpreted for expected ground movement and relevant Class P conditions rather than reported as isolated test numbers.
Learn about site classes →Clear digital report
The report presents the site classification, relevant findings, limitations and information for the structural or footing designer.
View the formal service →Project-specific next steps
Where a basic classification is not enough, we identify whether broader investigation, design input or verification may be needed.
Compare broader investigations →Understanding the result
What do A, S, M, H1, H2, E and P mean?
AS 2870 site classes communicate expected residential ground behaviour and relevant conditions to the footing designer. They do not represent a simple ranking of good and bad land, and the class should not be guessed from the suburb or a neighbouring property.
Brief guide to the classifications
- Class A: Little or no expected moisture-related ground movement.
- Class S: Slightly reactive ground.
- Class M: Moderately reactive ground.
- Class H1: Highly reactive ground within the lower H range.
- Class H2: Highly reactive ground within the upper H range.
- Class E: Extremely reactive ground.
- Class P: A site requiring special consideration because of one or more relevant conditions.
Common residential projects
When owners request a soil or lot classification
The correct timing and scope depend on the proposed work and what information is already available.
New house on a vacant lot
Investigation should relate to the proposed building footprint and current lot conditions. A survey, site plan or concept drawing helps define suitable locations.
Knockdown and rebuild
Existing slabs, landscaping, buried services, fill and previous excavation can affect access and interpretation. Tell us whether demolition has occurred.
Extension or addition
New footing areas may differ from the existing house because of drainage, trees, past earthworks or imported fill.
Granny flat or secondary dwelling
The proposed backyard footprint, access and proximity to existing structures should be considered when planning the investigation.
Lot purchase or early design
General ground advice can inform early decisions, but a final report should address the actual development and should not be treated as a guarantee of construction cost.
Builder or engineer request
Forward the exact request. A slope, basement, retaining wall, deep fill or other issue may require more than a standard residential classification.
Price and timing
What does “from $750” include?
The $750 starting price applies to a suitable standard AS 2870 residential site-classification scope. It is not a universal price for every soil test, laboratory test or geotechnical report.
The final fixed fee depends on the proposed development, property location, access, investigation method and depth, ground conditions, required laboratory work and the exact deliverables. We confirm the scope and fee before attendance.
Request a site-classification quoteSend these details for an accurate quote
- Property address and your name and phone number
- Proposed new house, extension, granny flat or other work
- Architectural plan, survey or proposed building footprint
- Exact request from the builder, engineer, certifier or council
- Photos showing access, slope and existing structures
- Required timing and any known fill, drainage or ground issues
Frequently asked questions
Soil and lot classification questions
These answers explain the terminology and typical residential process. The correct scope is still confirmed for each property.
Is lot classification the same as site classification?+
Lot classification is a common search term used by owners, builders and buyers. For residential footing and slab design, the formal engineering service is generally an AS 2870 site classification based on the proposed development and conditions investigated at the property.
Is soil classification the same as a soil test?+
The terms are often used informally for the same residential request. A site-classification report involves more than identifying a soil name: it considers the investigated ground profile, expected moisture-related movement and relevant site conditions for residential footing design.
How much does a soil test or lot classification cost in Sydney?+
Sydney Geotechnical's standard AS 2870 residential site-classification scope starts from $750 for suitable projects. The final fixed fee depends on the proposal, access, investigation requirements, site conditions and whether laboratory testing is needed.
Can a vacant lot be classified before house plans are finished?+
Preliminary information may be possible, but the investigation and report should address the proposed building area and development. Supplying the latest site plan, survey or concept drawings helps ensure the scope is suitable.
Can I use a neighbour's soil report?+
A neighbouring report can provide background information but should not be used as the classification for your property. Fill, drainage, trees, slope, excavation and the soil profile can vary over short distances.
Does Class P mean the lot cannot be built on?+
No. Class P identifies one or more conditions requiring specific consideration. The report should explain the relevant issue and whether further investigation, design input, earthworks or construction-stage verification is appropriate.
How quickly can the report be issued?+
A 24-hour report option after fieldwork may be available for suitable standard site-classification scopes when confirmed before booking. Timing remains subject to access, field conditions, availability and any required laboratory testing.