Serving property owners, developers, buyers and sellers, realtors, businesses, and timber and resource managers since 1995.               

F.A.Q.

(Frequently-Asked Questions)

1. A GEO-WHAT?

        A Geosciences Consultant (or Geotechnical Consultant) is usually a professional geologist or geotechnical engineer who performs work for a specific client and is qualified to:

                        -  Investigate and characterize a property's geological conditions

                        -  Identify potential geologic hazards or problems that may exist

                        -  Assess a property's suitability for development

                        -  Provide recommendations for design and location of structures

                        -  Suggest ways to mitigate any negative impacts of development

                            on the property.

2.  WHO NEEDS ONE?

        Property owners, architects, builders, real estate brokers and agents, prospective buyers and sellers, land developers, timber and resource managers with concerns for safe, responsible property development.

3.  WHAT FOR?

        Within the past few years there has been a growing realization that the ground we live on here in the Puget Sound region may not be as stable as we'd like to believe. As the population of the West Sound area has increased, so has property development; much of it in areas where there are growing concerns about geological hazards due to unstable ground conditions.

        To address these concerns, many local governments have introduced regulations requiring geological or geotechnical studies be conducted in areas judged to be high-risk or "Critical". In these cases, geological reports or assessments based on such studies must be submitted before building permits are granted.

4.  ANY OTHER REASONS?

        Prospective clients may also need geological studies for reasons other than to satisfy permit requirements: to help plan for future growth or development of resources, to evaluate properties for sale or purchase, or to receive advice dealing with a specific problem or geologically-hazardous condition.

5.  HOW DO I FIND SOMEONE QUALIFIED?

        The names of qualified geoscientists (usually Licensed Professional Geologists or Engineers) can be found in your local phone directory or through a referral from your builder, developer or real estate agent. Local government agencies (Planning and Community Development Departments) commonly keep a list of individuals and companies in the area that are knowledgeable about local geologic conditions and qualified to prepare geological reports.

6.  WHAT WILL IT COST?

        Costs will vary depending on how much work you need done, the size of the land parcel you want to have evaluated and how accessible the property is. Also, a study that requires excavation (trenching or augering) with mechanical equipment to evaluate the subsurface ground materials will probably be more expensive than one where those materials are naturally exposed.

        Geoscience firms set their own prices for the work they perform. Some firms charge at an hourly rate while others choose to bill for the completed job. As a general rule, a local geoscience firm is usually less expensive than one from outside the area that must charge for travel. Most firms charge a minimum flat fee for initial consultation that may be waived if the client elects to do a full study.

7.  WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE PROCESS?

        Good communication between you and your geoscience consultant will help keep things on schedule and moving smoothly. If the purpose of your study is to comply with a provision of your building permit, you should carefully read and understand the permit requirements.

        In some cases, your geoscienc consultant may work with your architect, builder, drainfield designer, realtor, timber or resource manager, planner or other local government officers to clarify issues and prevent delays.

        It may also be helpful if you can:

                - provide your tax parcel number and legal description of the property

                - provide copies of surveys or plats as may be requested by your consultant.

                - assist in locating property boundaries or corner markers

                - obtain access from neighbors on adjacent properties for collection of data

8.  HOW DO I KNOW THE WORK WILL BE DONE RIGHT?

           The geoscience consultant you choose should have a thorough understanding of the geology of your area as well as the professional experience and qualifications required by the state and local regulatory agencies to prepare geotechnical reports or assessments.

        While you should rely on the advice of your geoscience consultant and closely follow any specific recommendations you are given, you should also understand that geological interpretations are usually based on limited subsurface information and a general understanding of the area. It is impossible for any geologist or geotechnical engineer to know exactly what the ground conditions are below the surface or what events may occur in the future that could affect ground materials. Consequently, even the most experienced, reputable geosciences consultant will be unable to guarantee the safety or stability of a property.

        For this reason, every property owner should understand the risks involved in developing properties in critical areas and closely adhere to all geological recommendations and permit requirements.