LADBS Methane Soil Test Cost & Price
An LADBS Methane Soil Test varies depending on property conditions and development plans. A methane test price ranges between $2,300 and $7,000. Updated January 17, 2024.
Site-Specific Scope of Work
Site-specific details and plans can change the scope of work and LADBS Methane Soil Test cost. Thus, a professional consultation is highly recommended to get a site-specific cost. Because a methane test comprises drilling, sampling, analysis, reporting, and licensing, the cost does add up on larger projects. An improper and under-budget methane soil test can result in building department rejection, change orders, re-testing, and lawsuits. This article provides information and insight on pricing for a proper Methane Testing Report.
What Justifies the Price for a LADBS Methane Soil Test Cost?
Consumers must understand that Methane Testing comprises many pillars to meet the requirements of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. These facets combine to complete a proper test and justify the minimum price. Mitigation plans are not part of the testing process.
Laboratory Certifications & Professional Geologists
For instance, the company must qualify and maintain an active Laboratory Testing Agency License with the City of Los Angeles. Furthermore, the job requires multiple days of fieldwork by licensed professional geologists and drillers. The mobilization, materials, and professional costs of drilling alone result in thousands of dollars.
Drilling Rigs & Sample Materials
Above drilling, there is also a requirement for these projects to include oversight and certification by a professional geologist. From the project planning stages to the methane soil-gas sample collection and analysis, a state-certified professional must be in charge. By the standards of the City of Los Angeles, geologists, engineers, and drillers must install soil-gas probes at various depths and locations, and collect samples for analysis.
Sampling & Analysis
The analytical results of an LADBS Methane Soil Gas Test are the basis for report preparation. Following State EPA and DTSC methane advisories, geologists perform soil gas sampling and testing from the field and in the laboratory. Analytical data is produced in tabular form, for the review of a senior geologist. This is the primary step for quality assurance and quality control.
Methane Test Report Preparation
Methane test reports are comprehensive and factor in many aspects of the property. For example, a methane test report can discuss historical land-use, site geology and hydrogeology, parcel characteristics, planned development, surrounding properties, and building code requirements. Moreover, the analytical results provide insight into the LADBS Site Design Level. And a professional geologist appropriately concludes and recommends per the standards of the LA City Building Codes.
Ramifications of “Suspiciously Low Cost” Reports
Many consumers complain about unethical methane soil testing consultants that “hook clients” over a suspiciously low price. According to these unhappy customers, these unethical companies typically boast about having “many years of experience,” and offer prices drastically below the competition.
Prices Too Low = Improper Testing
Consequently, the construction project can undergo problems. In fact, disgruntled customers of these unethical consultants have mentioned insufficient “hand-drilling” methods, falsified sampling depths, and fraudulent data. Ultimately, this can cause rejection by the building department, change orders, re-testing requirements, and other additional work.
Nobody Can Actually Predict or Promise Low Results
Additionally, there have been complaints about these companies “promising low results” at the time of the sale. This is highly misleading and unethical for any consultant or company to do. In fact, it is impossible for anyone to predict the results of a methane test. Typical Los Angeles Basin soils are non-homo-genius. Thus, soil and soil-gas-bearing characteristics are variable from site to site. As a result, each property can comprise different methane soil-gas concentrations. And methane test results cannot possibly be predicted, even if the neighboring lot has been tested before.
Barrier-Installation Companies Reduce Methane Test Costs to Secure Construction Job
Some construction and barrier installation companies try to offer methane tests to consumers at an extremely low price, just to secure themselves a higher-grossing construction project down the line. Although this tricky and unethical act is a conflict of interest, some contractors still implement it. In fact, they may even use another company name to secure the methane test while “keeping their names clean” as contractors. As a result, Geo Forward seeks to help consumers navigate their projects efficiently and successfully, meanwhile keeping the public informed about the methane mitigation construction process.
Get a Site-Specific Price Estimate & Cost
Despite the information above, Geo Forward recommends each consumer obtain a site-specific price quote for methane testing. Prices are variable as a result of property characteristics, design parameters regional geology, and more. For more information, or to obtain a site-specific price quote, call (888) 930-6604 to speak with a professional geologist today.
