Is a soil report not possible before surveying the new construction area?

If you have a geologically stable layered area, one or two are sufficient. It's never completely risk-free anyway. But in the past, people built without geologists, simply started and then saw what was there, and reacted accordingly. The report only ensures that you know what is probably there, but it doesn't change the current situation and its costs. Karsten

The report only serves to let you know what is probably there, but it does not change the actual situation and its costs. Karsten

Isn't it also the case that the client is liable for the land? Let's assume the contractor excavates the foundation pit. Objectively, everything looks stable. If it were dug 10 cm deeper, non-load-bearing soil would be exposed. The house is built, and after some time, there are structurally serious cracks. The contractor can then say that the client did not provide him with a soil report and that he is not at fault. The client then has a house at risk of collapse and cannot hold anyone liable because he did not have a soil report made. Or am I mistaken?

That is probably true. And yet it is constructed. Yes, there are missteps, the famous Tower of Pisa, with a soil survey that would not have happened, but almost always it works out. Even the largest cathedrals built close to rivers were constructed without geologists. And the question today is not whether it should be done at all, most BU insist on it, but whether here, despite an existing standard survey that satisfies the BU, because suspenders and belt are better than just belt, another one should be commissioned.

Even the largest cathedrals close to rivers were built without geologists.

But we only see those that have not collapsed

But honestly, if you want to take a leap of faith, I would choose another place than the foundation. And we’re not talking about huge sums.

And regarding warranty issues: the house doesn’t have to collapse right away. But any defect, from a crooked wall to settlement cracks or leaks, could be blamed on the ground by the contractor. In such a discussion, there can only be losers.

I only say safety margins. In the personal environment before 2000, the building ground was actually never investigated in advance. In particular, basements were also the standard in our area.

Then enough concrete and reinforcement and all houses are still standing fine.

Nowadays, fewer houses with basements are being built. Also, more difficult locations are being developed.

And material is also a scarcer good; in other words, if you have to use less material....