Soil Analysis

Our contract was contingent on what I called a perc test.  I have now been educated that they call this a soil analysis now... who knew?  The soil scientist companies are normally booked for 4-6 weeks out.  I didn't have this much time. I needed to get the perc tests completed so that I could order the survey.  Both of these are costs that we would have to pay prior to closing and if we ended up not closing for any reason we would be out this money.  Fortunately, the lady we are purchasing the land from had a little pull with a company and the soil analysis test was scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving.

The week before they were to come out, we all went over and marked where we hoped to build houses.  This would help the soil consultant to try to get a location that made sense for each of our spots.  

Adam Brown Soil Consulting quoted me $1,000 per soil analysis.  Since we want to have the ability to put 3 houses on the land, that mean 3 soil analysis's.  After about an hour of them being on site I got a call saying the ground was to hard for their hand auger.  Of course they have equipment that they can bring out - only an additional $600. 

They spent the day and marked 2 areas on the side of the creek that we wanted to build on.  Adam called me and said that 1 of the locations was a large area that would be able to accommodate 2 build sites and then the 2nd area would be for Rod and my house.  There needs to be 10,000 sq feet for a 3 bedroom and 13,000 sq feet for a 4 bedroom house.  Area #1 that was marked is about 35,000 sq feet.   Area # 2 is smaller but still larger than 13,000.  The areas were marked with red flags and we were told that if it is disturbed that it will invalidate the analysis.  The next step when we get ready for building permits will be to pay another $500 each to the state of Tennessee for the actual permit.

The soil scientist told me he would send his drawings to the surveyor. 

Rod and I did go look at the areas.  We are a little concerned that area 2 is on the hill behind where we want to build.  We are assuming this means our system will be a little more complex (complex probably = expensive).  Guess time will tell on this one.

We didn't take any pictures of the flags, but the day we went to look was the first time we had been over there when it had been raining.  So we got a few pictures of the creek with a little more water in it. 

Hurdle # 1 completed!

PSA - If you are a young person looking for a good career - There is a need for soil scientists in Tennessee and the fees are pretty good!