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Geotechnical testing costs $1,000 to $5,000. You’ll only need this for new home builds since a perc test is just a small part of a comprehensive survey. These reports examine a wide range of physical properties of your land. For installing a septic system, leach field, or infiltration basin, you usually won't need this full report.

Soil testing costs between $670 and $2,200, on average. Perc tests do not check for contamination, but you'll want to test contamination levels in your soil if your leach field or septic tank is close to your groundwater source. Consider bundling soil testing as part of a complete package deal before building a home or installing a septic system.

If you fail a perc test, it means your soil doesn't meet the required drainage standards. You can request a second opinion from a qualified soil testing professional. If the second evaluation also confirms failure, you'll need to modify the site by regrading the land or installing an alternative drainage system so that your property meets local regulatory requirements.

Yes, you can do a perc test in the winter when conditions meet strict regulatory criteria and the soil remains unfrozen. Winter testing is acceptable if the frost depth doesn't impede drainage and local guidelines allow it. Local soil testing experts must verify that temperature and weather conditions support accurate readings. Make sure that certified professionals follow approved procedures so the results accurately reflect your soil’s percolation capacity.

You should hire certified soil testers and licensed excavators to perform a perc test. These professionals have the expertise to evaluate soil drainage accurately. In some municipalities, a representative from your local building or health department may also attend to verify compliance. Hiring qualified experts ensures that your test adheres to strict regulatory standards and yields valid results.