Understanding Geotech Reports in New Zealand

When building a shed or any structure in New Zealand, one key requirement is often a geotech report. As part of the Building Consent process, local councils may ask you to submit a Geotechnical Engineering Assessment Report alongside your application.

Also known as soil reports or geotechnical reports, these documents assess ground conditions and identify potential hazards on the building site. They provide critical information to architects, builders, and engineers, helping ensure construction proceeds safely without issues such as instability or foundation failure.

This article explains what a geotechnical report involves, its importance in shed building, and how to get one in New Zealand.

Quick Links:

• What is a geotechnical report?
• How to get a geotech report
• How much does a geotech report cost in NZ?
• Why a geotech report matters
• Get expert help for your shed project

What is a Geotechnical report?

A geotech report (or geotechnical report) is a detailed document prepared by a qualified geotechnical engineer. It presents the results of on-site investigations, ground testing, and laboratory analysis. The goal is to assess the soil’s ability to support the planned structure and identify any potential geotechnical hazards such as slope instability, settlement, or liquefaction.

Typical steps in a geotechnical survey include:

• Conducting a site visit
• Drilling boreholes and collecting soil samples
• Performing strength tests
• Laboratory analysis of samples
• Evaluating soil bearing capacity and stability

These investigations are essential for land development, residential and commercial construction, and infrastructure projects. A well-prepared geotechnical report ensures that the proposed foundation design is both safe and compliant with local building standards. 

How to Get a Geotech Report

If your council requires a geotech report, it’s best to begin the process early, ideally before submitting your building consent.

1. Contact Your Local Council

Ask your local council whether your project requires a geotechnical engineering assessment. If it does, they can recommend qualified geotech inspection professionals in your area.

2. Initial Site Visit

A geotechnical engineer will visit your property to assess topography, soil type, and known hazards. This helps determine what further testing is required.

3. Ground Testing and Sampling

The next step involves drilling boreholes, collecting soil samples, and running strength tests. Depending on site conditions, the engineer may also use cone penetration testing (CPT) or laboratory analysis to assess deeper soil layers.

4. Assessment and Reporting

The data is analysed to identify risks such as poor drainage, slope movement, or liquefaction potential. The report will recommend suitable foundation types and any required ground improvements.

5. Recommendations and Design

If the soil meets the NZS 3604:2011 standard for “good ground,” standard foundation designs can be used. If not, specific engineering design will be required to strengthen or modify the ground before construction begins.

6. Submitting Your Geotech Report

Once complete, the geotechnical report must be submitted with your Building Consent application. Councils generally aim to process applications within 20 working days, though timeframes can vary depending on workload and project complexity.

If the council requests further information (an RFI), the process pauses until the additional details are provided. At Alpine Buildings, our in-house consent team works closely with clients to manage these requests efficiently.

7. Begin Construction

When your consent is approved and all requirements are met, construction can start. Your council will advise if other permissions, such as resource consent, are also required.

How Much Does a Geotech Report Cost?

The geotech report cost in NZ typically ranges between $1,500 and $3,000+, depending on your site’s conditions and the complexity of the project. Prices vary between councils and regions, as factors such as site access, soil type, and required testing all influence the average cost of a geotechnical report.

If you’re unsure about the geotechnical report cost for your shed project, it’s best to request a detailed quote from a qualified geo tech or geotechnical engineering specialist.

Why a Geotech Report Matters

A geotechnical report isn’t always mandatory, but it’s often worth considering - especially if your shed site has soft or uncertain ground. In some areas, the local council may require a report if the soil is known to have poor load-bearing capacity, such as peaty or sandy ground.

If your site sits on firm, stable soil, you may not need a geotech report, which can save you the engineer's fees. However, having a geotech report ready early in the process can actually speed up your building consent. If the council requests one after you’ve lodged the consent, they will pause the consent process until the report is supplied. Depending on the geotechnical engineer's workload, this can add several weeks to your project timeline.

Get Expert Help for Your Shed Project

At Alpine Buildings, our experienced consent team knows a number of geotechnical engineering experts around NZ, so we may be able to make a recommendation for you. 

If you’re ready to start your next shed project or need guidance on obtaining your geotech report, contact our team today. We’ll help you every step of the way.