Getting Soil Test Records for Older Homes in Geelong
Planning to build or extend on an older property in Geelong?
You may need the original soil test report, especially for homes from the 1960s or 70s. Tracking down these historical documents can be challenging if the council claims not to have them.
The Reality of Historical Records
Official records might not exist for homes built decades ago. This is common for properties from public housing schemes. The responsible government authorities at the time may have prioritised building at the lowest possible cost. With this focus on economy, they may have skipped formal soil tests. As a result, the council would have no record on file.
You should therefore be prepared for the possibility that the local council holds no documents for your property.
The Recommended Approach to Requesting Information
Despite these challenges, your first step should be a formal enquiry. The best approach is to submit a direct, written request to the council.
Submit an Email Request:
Send a formal email instead of making a phone call. This creates a clear record and ensures your enquiry reaches the correct department.
Contact the Building Department:
Address your email specifically to the building department of the local council (the City of Greater Geelong).
Keep Your Request Simple and Direct:
Your email should be brief and to the point. Be specific and ask directly for any soil test reports the council holds for your property address.
By following this formal process, you can be sure you have done everything possible to find the historical records. However, it is wise to manage your expectations. Obtaining decades-old information from government bodies can be a challenging process.