Layer water / Surface water - what now?!

Dear forum community,

my name is Christopher, I am 32 years old and am about to start building a house or purchasing a plot of land. First of all, a warm "hello" to the community, as this is my first post here. I hope I have found a forum where I can clarify all my questions that have been troubling me for several weeks.

My wife and I have a plot of land in prospect, which is very, very beautiful and idyllically located. What immediately stood out during the first inspection was that all the buildings in the residential area are built elevated. Initial conversations with the neighbors revealed that in the area, from a depth of about 2.00m, there is layer water (surface water?). People who have built with basements all had to use raft foundations and drainage.

However, we actually do not want to build a basement. Nevertheless, I am very worried about the soil conditions. What disadvantages arise? What consequences are to be expected? Could the house possibly sink eventually because of the layer water?

I have already learned from a house provider that deep drilling for geothermal energy extraction, for example, can already become problematic and possibly cannot be carried out at all...

I look forward to your feedback.

Best regards and have a nice evening!

Christopher

Hello Christopher,

We actually don't want to build a basement. Nevertheless, I am very concerned about the soil conditions. What disadvantages arise? What consequences can be expected? Could the house possibly sink at some point due to the seepage water?

First, something explanatory:

As a rule, seepage water is described as infiltrating water that accumulates on a less permeable layer; seepage water is also always found on slopes.

Because it can merge with the groundwater – the layers sometimes shift – it is correct that it probably will not work with the brine/water heat pump. However, it is also true that you do not need to worry as long as you build on a slab foundation.

Best regards

Hello construction expert,

thank you very much for the hopeful feedback.

Regards

Chris.

Hello guys,

are there any tricks & tips on how I can get the seller to agree to a soil survey before purchase? I have already offered that we share the costs and deduct them from the purchase price at contract conclusion. He does not want to do that. The m² usually costs 50 euros in the area and he has already lowered it to 45 on his own. That's why there is hardly any room for negotiation left. The plot is 850m².

How much does such a soil analysis usually cost and where can you commission it? Would you definitely advise me to obtain such a report in advance?

Best regards

Chris.

Hello Christopher,

are there any tricks & tips on how I can get the seller to agree to a soil survey before the purchase? I have already offered to split the costs and offset them against the purchase price upon contract conclusion. He doesn't want to do that. The price per m² is usually 50 euros in the area, and he has already lowered it to 45 on his own. Therefore, there is hardly any room for negotiation left. The plot is 850m².

No, if he doesn't agree to a comparable arrangement, you remain the loser; in my opinion, he "just" wants to market the plot, as quickly as possible, without any further obligation and to have cash in hand.

How much does such a soil analysis cost and where can you commission it? Would you definitely advise me to obtain such a survey in advance?

A soil survey for load-bearing capacity costs about €1,000. Feed Aunt Google with soil surveyor and WAF or Gütersloh district and you will find what you need.

If the landowner doesn't agree to your initially mentioned deal, he will hardly agree to a soil survey without written proof that you are actually buying the property. By the way, something similar will be included later in the notary contract, namely that you buy the land and that the seller cannot be held liable for, for example, contaminated sites.

Best regards

Hello,

but it is completely pointless to request a soil survey if I am buying the property anyway. With most house providers, a soil survey is included when the contract is concluded, isn't it? It would only be helpful if I had the survey before purchasing the property.

Best regards