Hillside Construction
Geomatrix Inc.

 

Geomatrix, Inc., a division of Parmelee/Geology, provides consultation and evaluation services for hillside properties providing homeowners and developers with recommendations for safe and economical construction. Engineering geologic services are provided by Larry Parmelee, certified engineering geologist, and soils engineering services provided by John Tsao, registered civil engineer. Laboratory testing and analysis is performed at the independent soils laboratory of C.Y. Geotech.  We have provided expert advise for a variety of hillside construction projects :

-New Custom Hillside Residences
- Residential Additions
- Subterranean Basements
- Retaining Walls
- Temporary Shoring Systems
- Swimming Pools
- Tennis Courts
- Raised Wood and Concrete Decks
- Drainage Control Facilities
- Slope Stabilization
- Liquefaction Mitigation

 

The purpose of preparing a combined engineering geologic and soils engineering report is to ascertain the characteristics of the earth materials underlying the site to aid in the proper design of the proposed construction. The conclusions and recommendations contained within the geology report are used to ensure conformance with governmental regulations and to aid in the favorable long term performance of the proposed structure.

Observations During Construction

The Department of Building and Safety requires the geotechnical consultant to perform certain inspections during the course of grading and construction to ensure that the recommendations contained in the geologic and independent soils engineering report as well as the City Approval Letter are followed and are properly implemented. These inspections are required in order for the Department to issue a Certificate of Occupancy and approval for construction.

The number of site visits required for your project will be determined by several factors. Such factors include accessibility for the contractor to perform the necessary grading and construction, the ability and efficiency of the contractor, unanticipated problems encountered during grading and construction, weather and construction related delays. It is not possible to determine the amount of inspection fees prior to the start of the project due to the uncertainty of the above listed factors. It is recommended that consultation with your contractor, architect and geotechnical consultant be performed prior to the start of grading or construction to discuss anticipated costs and construction procedures. Advice and recommendations can be provided to help reduce construction costs and inspection fees. A listing of typical inspections required for hillside projects is presented below. 

Fees

The cost of evaluating the site can vary considerably from company to company. Other factors also influence the cost of preparing a report which include : access for field exploration, size of the property, nature of proposed work and local geology.  The range of costs associated with the preparation of a geologic and soils engineering report can vary from $1,500 to over $20,000.  The best way to determine the cost of evaluating a specific construction project is to have a proposal prepared which will detail the anticipated work to be performed and the associated costs. 

For a free estimate and proposal for your hillside construction project, all you have to do is contact us! We would be happy to discuss your project and provide you with any needed geotechnical assistance.

Phone  (818) 889-0762          Fax  (818) 889-0766