Hi all,

We're building a house starting here soon about 75 miles west of Houston. The soil test results recommend removing 6 inches of top soil then adding 24 inches of select fill and a plasticity index between 10-20. The fill is to be compacted every 6 inch lift at 95 percent of standard proctor density.

Including an extra 4 feet extension on all sides and forming a rectangle the total square footage for the soil was calculated to be 6500 sq ft.

A local company quoted the job at $22,000. For anyone that is familiar with this type of work, does this seem like a normal market price? It caught us a bit off guard (we were expecting around $15k).

Specs are SOP for Aggieland with higher P.I.s
Costs are not shared with non-buyers like me BUT
slab-on-grade much LESS $$$ than deep pier foundation versions with same pad

Research genesis might be to call a local soils dealer for a quote on #1 Select fill and apply to Cu.Yd. calculations + see if sheepsfoot compactions might come with enough do-re-me payment

Included in $22k might be phase one foundation costs ala formwork, etc.

Why would you think formwork would be included? Sounds like a $22,000 is just for a rectangle pad with 24 inches of compacted select fill.

Almost 500 yards pr material

Thanks for the info so far.

I can confirm that the $22k does not include form work.

How much is the fill dirt per semi load?

Recently, I had a pad set up for a house about 20 miles east os CS. Not sure of envelope size, but pad is around 5000 square ft. The elevation changed about 36" from back to front so I ended up with just under 100 semis worth. I don't have all the details since I am using a builder to handle them, but he did say we got the fill for $167 a load. I do not know how far they had to haul, which could affect price. Dozer was a few grand. My total was just over $20k.

Can they not just lime treat the soil like we do in roadway design?