Soil Testing Requirements for New Homes in Brisbane: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to build a new home, add an extension, or construct a granny flat in Brisbane, one of the first steps you will need to take is securing a soil test and site classification report.

Why is it Required?

Under the National Construction Code and Australian Standard AS 2870, a site classification report is mandatory. It tells your engineer and building designer how reactive the soil is—meaning how much it will shrink and swell with moisture changes. This information is critical for designing a safe, compliant foundation system that won’t crack or fail over time.

What Does the Process Involve?

A trained field technician will visit your site to drill boreholes and collect soil samples. We assess the soil profile, bearing capacity, and reactivity. The entire site visit usually takes about an hour.

What Do You Get?

You receive a certified AS 2870 Site Classification Report. This document assigns a classification (such as Class M for moderately reactive, or Class H for highly reactive) and provides the geotechnical data your engineer needs to finalise the slab and footing design. Your certifier will require this report before issuing building approval.

Call Us Make a Booking