The cost of a soil test (geotechnical soil report) for a new construction home or commercial project depends on the level of investigation required. In the Denver metro area, pricing generally falls into two categories:

• Basic Site Assessment ($800–$1,500): This typically includes one to two shallow borings with visual soil classification and limited moisture analysis. It provides general advice but may not be detailed enough for specific structural engineering.
• Comprehensive Geotechnical Report ($1,500–$3,500+): This is the standard for new structures and helical pier design. It includes three or more borings to the depth of the bearing stratum and a full suite of laboratory testing (shear strength, grain size, etc.).

Several site-specific factors can influence or increase the final quote, including:

1. Number of Borings: Each additional test boring typically costs between $500 and $1,200.
2. Site Accessibility: Costs may rise if the site is remote or if drilling equipment has difficulty navigating steep slopes or confined spaces.
3. Boring Depth: Drilling deeper to reach a stable load-bearing layer adds time and per-foot charges to the contract.
4. Soil Type: Complex soils, such as expansive clay common in Colorado, often require more extensive laboratory testing and deeper borings.

It is important to note that these figures are preliminary estimates. Final pricing is project-specific and requires an on-site inspection for a binding quote.