Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Land & New Construction
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 8 years ago, 12/14/2016

User Stats

257
Posts
18
Votes
Mark Beekman
  • Investor
  • Phoenixville, PA
18
Votes |
257
Posts

Is building possible according to this geological survey???

Mark Beekman
  • Investor
  • Phoenixville, PA
Posted

I'm looking to build a single family home (or put up a mobile home) on a flat .34 acre residential lot in PA.

Some background:

There used to be a house on the lot, built in the 1960s, that suffered settling issues due to being built on uncompacted fill. The house, and the other houses in the neighborhood, were apparently built on an old mining site from 100 years ago. There are neighboring houses on all sides of the property in question, with one next door being built in the 1990s. All neighboring houses are within 25 feet of the subject property lines.

The Township had done a geological engineering report a few years back. From the report:

"Borings and samplings taken clearly and consistently encountered construction debris, organics, cinder, grass, brick, wood, etc. to depths of 30-35 feet. Soils below the uncontrolled fill were moisture sensitive, highly compressive soils down to refusal at depths of 45-67 feet. Five borings were taken; one at each corner of the ranch structure and one was taken in the rear yard...

...The site has very extensive fill to depths of 30-35 feet. Based on IBC Section 1804, there is no presumptive load bearing value of this uncontrolled/unprepared fill material (which also contains construction debris, organics, cinders, grass, brick, wood, etc.). The bearing capacity below this fill is only 1000 PSF down to refusal at 45-67 feet."

I realize that there may not be any geological engineers here, but I figure that some of you may be familiar enough to give me a ballpark of whether building is worth exploring or not.

Loading replies...