Ground investigation in Ascot
- Fixed price
The short answer
Boreholes, trial pits, soakaway tests
- Price from
- £1,000.00
- Time on site
- 1 day to 1 week (depending on scope)
What you get
You will receive a detailed geotechnical report outlining ground conditions, recommendations for foundations, and potential risks.
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When do you need a Ground investigation?
You should book this survey before starting any building work or if you notice sinking.
- Building an extension or a new home.
- Buying land for a new development project.
- Noticing large cracks in your walls or floors.
- Checking for hidden pollution on old industrial sites.
- Satisfying council rules for foundation safety approval.
- As a guide, expect to pay £800 to £3,000.
What happens on the day
An engineer will visit your site with a small drill or digger.
- They drill narrow boreholes to see deep soil layers.
- They dig trial pits to check roots and structures.
- The team takes soil samples for laboratory testing.
- They measure how quickly water drains into the ground.
- Work is often noisy and takes one full day.
- Engineers record the water level beneath your garden.
How to prepare
- Clear the area where work will happen
- Unlock any gates for the small digger
- Show the engineer where utility pipes are
- Keep children and pets away from machinery
- Warn your neighbours about the noise
- Check if any trees have been removed recently
- Move any garden furniture out of the way
- Provide a safe place for the engineer to park
How to improve your result
- Hire an engineer who knows your local area
- Ask for a combined report including drainage tests
- Share your full building plans with the surveyor
- Keep the report for your future home buyer
- Ask if they can avoid your best flowerbeds
- Request a clear summary for your builder
- Double check for old underground tanks or pipes
Why it is useful day to day
Investing in a ground report now saves you from massive repair bills later.
- Stop your home from sinking or moving.
- Get your building plans approved much faster.
- Avoid wasting money on foundations that are too deep.
- Protect your family from hidden soil pollution.
- Keep your insurance valid by following safety rules.
- Give your builder clear instructions for the job.
Why we ask these questions
The final report answers vital questions about what lies beneath your lawn.
- Is the soil strong enough for heavy walls?
- Are there hidden chemicals or harmful waste materials?
- Will tree roots cause the ground to move?
- Does the site have a risk of flooding?
- How deep should your new foundations be?
- Is the ground made of shrinking clay or peat?
Frequently asked questions
Often needed alongside
- Fixed price
Land & topographic survey
Boundaries, levels, site plans
- Fixed price
Ecology survey
Preliminary ecological appraisal
- Fixed price
Bat survey
Roost assessment for planning
- Fixed price
Tree survey for planning
BS5837 arboricultural report
- Legal requirement
Biodiversity net gain assessment
BNG metric and plan for planning
- Legal requirement
Flood risk assessment
FRA for planning, insurance or purchase
- Legal requirement
- Fixed price
Contaminated land survey
Desk study and site investigation
- Legal requirement
Noise assessment
Acoustic report for planning