If you’re planning to build on clay-heavy soil or noticing cracks in your foundation, a shrink swell test can save you a ton of future headaches.

This test helps figure out how much your soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, which is a big deal for anything that sits on top of it, like your house or driveway. 

But how much does a shrink swell test actually cost?

In this post, we’ll break down the average shrink swell test costs, and the factors that affect the final price. Plus, we’ll also give you a rundown of our prices.

Average Shrink Swell Test Costs

Most basic shrink swell tests fall in the range of $100 to $300 per sample. 

That’s just for the test itself with no extras, no deep reports, no field visits. Just the lab taking your dirt and figuring out how much it wants to change shape.

But, if you’re working with an engineer or you need an official report for permitting or construction, the price will be a lot higher. 

A full geotechnical investigation that includes shrink-swell testing along with other soil tests (moisture content, load-bearing, classification, etc.) can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000+.

Also Read: How Much Does Pre-Construction Soil Testing Cost?

Our Shrink Swell Test Prices

We charge $1,250 to $1,500 for a complete shrink swell test. 

That’s not just a quick scoop of dirt and a number, our price includes everything you actually need to make informed decisions about your property.

Here’s what’s included:

• Site visit and soil sampling from the areas you plan to build or investigate
  
• Lab analysis using industry-standard methods to determine shrink-swell potential (usually includes Atterberg Limits, Plasticity Index, and moisture content)
  
• A full written report with easy-to-understand results, plus any recommendations based on what we find
  
• Phone or email support if you have questions after getting the results

If you’re not sure if you even need the test, we’re happy to talk through your project first.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Shrink Swell Test

There are a few things that can bump up or bring down the cost of a shrink swell test. Here’s a breakdown of what actually affects what you’ll pay:

#1. Number Of Soil Samples

The more soil samples you need to test, the higher the total cost is going to be.

If you’re only testing one spot on your property, the price will be lower. But if you’re working on a larger project, like a new development or road construction, you might need to test multiple areas to get a clearer picture of the soil conditions. 

Each test costs extra, so this is one of the biggest factors in how much you’ll spend.

One sample might not tell you the whole story anyway. 

That said, some labs offer a discount if you bring in multiple samples at once. So instead of $300 each, you might pay $250 each for five or more.

Also Read: How Much Does A Perc Test Cost?

#2. Lab Vs. Field Testing

Most shrink swell tests are done in a lab because you get more accurate results in a controlled environment. That’s usually the default. 

But some companies do field testing, especially if they’re already drilling or boring for you.

Field tests can sometimes be cheaper upfront since there’s less handling. But they might not give you the level of detail you’d get from a lab report. 

And for bigger projects or anything involving a permit, the lab version is often required.

#3. Depth Of Soil Sampling

The deeper you need to go to get your soil samples, the more expensive the test will be.

Surface samples are easy and quick. You dig a little, scoop some dirt, and you’re good to go.

But if the test needs to go a few feet (or several feet) into the ground, that’s a different story. You’ll need special equipment to drill or bore. 

That means extra labor, extra time, and yes, extra cost.

Plus, deeper samples are often needed for things like basements, retaining walls, or large structures that have to sit on super stable ground.

Also Read: What Soil To Use For Grading Around House?

#4. Location And Local Rates

Shrink swell test costs can vary depending on where you live too. 

If you’re in a rural area with limited geotechnical services, you might pay more just because the lab has to travel out to you or because there’s not much competition around.

On the other hand, in a bigger city with more testing options, you might get lower rates or faster turnaround times. Some areas also have local codes that require more detailed reports, which can add to the total.

#5. Type Of Report Or Analysis

Are you just curious about what your soil does? Or do you need a stamped engineering report to submit with your permit application? There’s a big difference.

A basic lab test with raw numbers is on the cheaper side. 

But a detailed geotechnical report that includes shrink-swell data, recommendations, and all the bells and whistles takes time to write and review. And that adds cost.

Most residential projects can get away with a simple analysis. But if your builder or city says they need a full report, don’t be surprised if the price doubles or triples.

#6. Turnaround Time

In a rush? Expect to pay more for the shrink swell test.

Some labs offer expedited testing if you’re up against a deadline. That usually means bumping your samples to the front of the line or running extra shifts to get your results back fast.

Rush fees vary, but a good rule of thumb is to add 25 – 50% to your base cost if you want results in 24 – 48 hours.

If you’ve got time to wait, standard turnaround is usually a week or less.

#7. Add-On Tests

Sometimes, a shrink swell test is just the beginning. Depending on the soil type and what you’re trying to learn about your land, you might need additional tests. 

For example, you may want to test for:

• Moisture content
  
• Plasticity index (Atterberg limits)
  
• Soil classification
  
• Compaction or density testing

These extras give you a better picture of how your soil behaves. Some labs throw them in at a slight discount, while others charge per test. 

If you’re just doing one-off testing, ask what’s included before you commit.

Bottom Line

A shrink swell test can cost as little as $100 to $300 per sample or up to $3,000+ for full reports with deep analysis. What you actually pay depends on how many samples you need, how fancy the report has to be, and how fast you want results.

It might feel like a hassle at first, but it can save you big money down the line. 

Fixing a cracked slab or failing foundation costs way more than testing the dirt first. 

So if you’ve got movement, moisture, or major plans to build, getting a shrink swell test is a smart move. Just grab a quote or two, ask what’s included, and you’ll be good to go.

Building a new home is an exciting adventure, but before you start laying down the foundation, there’s one crucial step that can’t be overlooked: soil testing.

Pre-construction soil testing helps determine if your land is stable enough to support the weight of your new home.

But let’s face it, no one likes surprise costs, so it’s good to know what to expect when it comes to the price of Pre-construction soil testing.

In this post, we’ll break down the cost of pre-construction soil testing, plus the factors that can affect the price.

Average Pre-Construction Soil Testing Cost

Pre-construction soil testing will run you between $1000 and $15,000.

That’s a wide range, we know, but the final cost depends on several factors. The testing can get more expensive depending on how complex the situation is, how big your lot is, and how deep the testing needs to go.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Basic Testing – $1,000 to $3,000 (residential projects like single-family homes)
• Moderate Projects – $3,000 to $7,000 (larger residential or small commercial projects)
• Complex or Large-Scale Projects – $7,000 to $15,000+ (Commercial buildings, high-rises, or sites with challenging conditions)

For most people, you’ll likely be paying somewhere around $2,000 for a typical residential lot.

But again, the cost is very site-specific, so it’s a good idea to get a few quotes from local contractors or geotechnical engineers to get a better idea of what it’ll cost you.

Also Check Out Our: Virginia Geotechnical Reporting Services

Our Pre-Construction Soil Testing Prices

We offer two levels of pre-construction soil testing:

• Limited Geotechnical Testing – $2,500
• Full Geotechnical Testing – $3,500

Both options provide detailed insight into soil conditions to help guide your building plans. The full geotech includes more in-depth analysis, which is often required for larger or more complex builds.

We’ll help you choose the right level of testing based on your project and local requirements.

What Affects The Cost Of Pre-Construction Soil Testing?

So, why the price variation? There are a few things that affect the cost of pre construction soil testing. Some are pretty straightforward, and others might not be as obvious.

Let’s go over the main ones so you can understand what could push your costs up or down:

#1 Size Of The Lot

The size of your lot is probably the most significant factor when it comes to cost.

Simply put, the bigger the lot, the more testing will be required.

Larger lots may need multiple tests to account for variations in the soil across the property. Smaller lots, especially those under half an acre, will generally cost less to test because there’s less ground to cover.

If you’ve got a standard suburban lot, expect to be closer to the lower end of the cost spectrum.

But if you’ve got a sprawling piece of land with lots of acreage, your costs could climb quickly.

Also Read: How Much Does A Soil Test Cost?

#2 Soil And Site Conditions

The type of soil you’re dealing with—and the overall condition of the land—can greatly affect pre-construction soil testing costs too.

If the soil is easy to test and assess, your costs will stay low.

But if your land is on a slope, has a lot of rock, or includes marshy areas, the testing process can become more complicated. Testing for rocks or unstable ground often requires more advanced tools, which can jack up the price.

In areas where there are concerns about things like soil contamination or the presence of harmful materials, extra tests may be needed, which will add to the cost.

And if your land has poor drainage or unstable soil, the tests may need to go deeper or be more specific.

#3 Site Location And Accessibility

Testing is generally more affordable in urban areas because it’s easier for engineers and contractors to get to the site and get the work done. However, if you’re building in a more rural or remote area, your costs may go up because of travel time and additional logistics.

If the land is difficult to access—say, it’s on a steep hill or deep in the woods—it can take longer to set up the testing equipment, which can also drive up costs.

So, if your lot is in a tricky spot to reach, expect some added fees to cover the extra work and time needed to get things done.

#4 Type Of Testing Required

Soil testing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different projects need different tests.

Basic tests determine soil classification, bearing capacity, and moisture content. These form the foundation of any testing package.

For specific concerns, you might need:

• Percolation tests for septic systems ($300-$800 additional)
• Expansion/shrinkage analysis for clay soils ($400-$900 additional)
• Density testing for pavement design ($500-$1,200 additional)

Each specialized test adds to your total. Your engineer will recommend tests based on your project needs and local building code requirements.

#5 Depth Of Testing

How deep the soil testing goes is another factor that affects the cost.

Shallow tests, which are only a few feet deep, are relatively inexpensive and usually enough for most homes.

However, if you’re building a multi-story home or something with a basement, you may need deeper testing to check the soil’s stability at greater depths.

The deeper you need to go, the more expensive it can get because the testing process is more complex and requires more resources.

Also Read: How much does stormwater management cost?

#6 Permit Or Inspection Fees

Don’t forget the paperwork! Many Virginia localities require permits for soil boring activities. These permit fees typically range from $75 to $300 depending on the jurisdiction.

Some counties require a county inspector to be present during testing, which adds another layer of coordination and potential costs.

Environmental permits might also be needed if you’re testing in protected areas or near waterways. These can add several hundred dollars to your project.

Bottom Line

Pre-construction soil testing costs around $1,000 – $15,000.

It’s one of the smartest investments you’ll make in your construction project. The cost of fixing foundation issues or structural problems later will dwarf what you spend on proper testing now.

We always recommend getting multiple quotes from qualified geotechnical engineers.

Make sure they explain exactly what tests they’re performing and why.

The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value—comprehensive testing from experienced professionals is worth paying for.