Technology
5 min
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Foundation types and why soil matters
Why a geotechnical survey is the cheapest decision you will make.

Mark Ellis
Chief Engineer

Start with the soil
Every foundation design starts with a geotechnical report. Drilling a few test borings tells us how strong the soil is, where the groundwater sits and what kind of foundation the building needs.
Common foundation types
Spread footings for strong, shallow soil
Mat foundations for heavy buildings on weaker soil
Drilled piers or piles when good soil is deep below
“Skipping the soil survey is the most expensive way to save money.”
A survey usually costs less than one percent of the project, and it removes the biggest unknown from your budget.


