Do I Need a Soil Test to Test Foundations for 1 Storey Extension? Drainage pipes, concrete, footings and foundations. Post your questions and find answers here

[golffury]

I have put in planning permission for a 1 storey extension to my bungalow and want to prepare as much as possible. Some people tell me I need to have a soil test to work out how deep the foundation needs to be and some say I don't. Can anybody help? Also I have just read that a building inspector failed a foundation because a tree was near the newly layed foundation, can anyone tell me what I should do before I actually get planning permission to save time and money?

Many thanks, Mark.

[welsh brickie]

only the building inspector can answer that question, a soil sample will not affect the inspectors decision as there could be unforeseen problems when the foundations are excavated.
He can make you dig deeper, or install reinforcing in the foundation, there are always way around any problems that may occur

[golffury]

Thanks for that, I didn't want to waste money if I don't have to.