Soil analysis for residential and commercial properties in Montreal, on the North Shore and the South Shore
Why Choose Multitest for Soil Testing?
At Multitest, we offer comprehensive soil analysis services for homeowners, businesses, and construction projects in Montreal, Laval (North Shore), the South Shore, and Greater Montreal. Whether you're planning new construction, a landscaping project, or an environmental assessment, our soil analyses ensure your site meets environmental and geotechnical standards and regulations.
Fast and Detailed Results You Can Trust
Our state-of-the-art laboratory provides accurate and rapid testing, enabling you to receive reliable results quickly, helping you move forward efficiently with your project.
Why is Soil Testing Important?
Soil analyses are essential to determine the composition, level of contamination, and structural stability of soils before any purchase, sale, or construction project. They constitute a key element of environmental and geotechnical studies, which are necessary for land-use planning, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance.
How soil quality can affect the purchase of your property or the construction and landscaping of your land
Soil properties impact foundation stability and drainage. Analysis helps prevent future problems such as erosion, waterlogging, and settlement.
The presence of contaminants in soil or groundwater can significantly impact a property's value. We can assist you with all your projects in Greater Montreal and throughout Quebec.
Common soil problems in and around Montreal
Many areas in Greater Montreal and elsewhere are experiencing problems with soil contaminated by hydrocarbons or other types of contaminants. There can also be compaction issues related to high clay content. Identifying these problems early allows you to make informed decisions and protect your property value.
SIGNS THAT YOU MAY NEED A SOIL ANALYSIS
If your property in Montreal, on the North Shore, or on the South Shore shows signs of drainage problems or soil erosion, cracks, or any possible source of soil contamination such as an existing or former oil heating system or poor-quality backfill, this could indicate soil contamination or a load-bearing capacity issue. A professional soil analysis can help assess environmental risks and ensure safe conditions for construction.
Geotechnical study - Planning a construction or land development project
Before starting any work, ensure your soil is stable and suitable for your project. We conduct geotechnical soil analyses for residential, commercial, and industrial sites in Montreal and the surrounding areas.
Environmental study - Soil and groundwater contamination
When buying or selling a property, it is strongly recommended to ensure that the soil and groundwater are free of contaminants. This type of study helps determine if an environmental risk, such as an oil heating system, has contaminated a property and affected its value.
OUR SOIL ANALYSIS PROCESS: PRECISE AND RELIABLE
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
We determine the presence or absence of contaminants and their levels during real estate transactions or construction work. Our environmental studies follow a three-phase process to ensure a detailed and accurate soil analysis.
GEOTECHNICAL STUDY
During these studies we assess the bearing capacity of the soil and the stability of slopes in order to ensure the viability of your construction and development projects on your property (expansion, installation of a garage or a swimming pool, development on the shores of a lake or river).
HOW LONG DO THE STUDIES LAST?
The timeframe varies for each type of study. It typically takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the type of study.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
Environmental site assessments
Our specialists' environmental reports are accepted by ALL lenders and are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Multitest and its specialists are covered by errors and omissions liability insurance.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY PRICING
PHASE I
Historical study of environmental risks (ESA - phase I)
Base price: $1,570
Mileage expenses or other possible costs
Turnaround time: report within 4 to 5 weeks, subject to exceptions.
What is the purpose of ESA - phase I ?
Phase I is generally required by lenders and buyers for commercial, industrial, and multi-residential properties (5 units or more). It consists of a historical study of the potential environmental risks associated with a property; it can extend over 100 years. The necessary research is conducted using 10 to 15 different information sources (Opta Information Intelligence, Quebec Land Registry, Énergir, etc.).
The study must determine whether there are any environmental risks that could have contaminated the soil or groundwater of a property. If risks are identified during the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), a Phase II assessment will be recommended to verify the presence or absence of contamination on the property.
PHASE II or
Soil characterization
Cost: depends on the number of samples, samples, and analyses.
Turnaround time: report within 2 to 3 weeks following fieldwork
What is the purpose of the ESA - phase II or soil characterization?
Phase II soil assessment and characterization involves taking soil and/or groundwater samples, conducting laboratory analysis, and determining the presence of contamination exceeding acceptable limits according to the use of the property concerned.
During a Phase II Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the number of samples , the sampling location, the parameters to be analyzed, and the drilling depth are determined based on the risks identified during Phase I. The cost of Phase II testing depends on these factors. Therefore, it is impossible to predict the cost of Phase II testing without having first completed Phase I.
For example, a simple case such as a risk of above-ground storage tank (SST) for fuel oil , for the Montreal region and its surrounding suburbs, could cost approximately $4,500 ; each case is different and the cost is therefore established on a case-by-case basis.
In some cases, a follow-up study to the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) or soil characterization may be necessary if the analysis results indicate significant contamination requiring additional sampling and/or analysis to precisely determine the extent of the contamination. This allows for a more accurate estimation of soil remediation costs.
If the land is contaminated, the client can decide to do nothing (the report is confidential) or to proceed with soil decontamination. It is usually the lender or potential buyer who will require the decontamination.
Soil rehabilitation (decontamination)
Cost and turnaround time: to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for a quote.
It is important to consider soil management in the Trace Québec application (certificate available for your projects)
What is the purpose of soil rehabilitation (decontamination)?
Soil remediation (also called soil rehabilitation) involves restoring soils to a state that meets the criteria for their intended use. This is done through various techniques, such as: excavation and removal of contaminated soils at authorized sites (also called ex situ remediation), treatment of contaminated soils on site (also called in situ remediation), phytoremediation (a plant-based approach), etc.
The cost of remediation depends on the extent of the contamination and the complexity of the work required (excavation in a crawl space, work under the foundations, etc.). Remediation rarely costs less than $20,000 , while a more complex case can cost significantly more (sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars).
SOIL TEST FOR DISPOSAL PURPOSES
Soil sampling and analysis for transport and disposal at an approved center.
Optional: Trace Québec Management
Cost and turnaround time: to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for a quote.
What is the purpose of a soil test for disposal purposes?
The transport and disposal of contaminated soils are regulated in Quebec. When a contractor plans to deposit excavated soils at an authorized center, the latter will generally require a prior soil analysis to verify one or more parameters, such as petroleum hydrocarbons (PH), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals (HM).
Each accredited center has its own requirements regarding test parameters and number of samples required; therefore, it is recommended to check these requirements beforehand.
The cost of the test depends on factors such as the number of samples, the parameters analyzed, and the turnaround time required to obtain the results.
GEOTECHNICAL STUDY
What is a geotechnical study?
The purpose of a geotechnical study is most often to determine the properties of the soil and rock, as well as the local groundwater conditions beneath the foundations of an existing or planned building. During these studies, a geotechnical engineer makes recommendations for the design, construction, or repair of a building.
There are several types of geotechnical studies covering aspects such as soil bearing capacity, slope stability, septic system installation, and materials testing during construction.
For all new projects, ask your City if this type of expertise is required to produce a building permit.
Soil bearing capacity
This study determines the characteristics and composition of the soil beneath an existing or planned building. This type of study determines whether the soil at the site is capable of supporting a given load (in many cases, a building).
Generally, if the land is vacant, an excavator is used. If the land is already built upon, the use of a drilling rig will be considered.
Slope stability
This study determines the weight that can be applied to the top of a slope while maintaining its stability. This type of study is frequently requested when planning the construction of a building or an extension project (garage, swimming pool, etc.) on a slope (riverbank). This type of study also identifies areas at risk of landslides and may include an assessment of the soil's bearing capacity.
For example, in the Montreal area and its surrounding suburbs, a geotechnical slope stability study can cost approximately $10,000 to $15,000 for "small" residential (single-family to approximately triplex), commercial or industrial projects up to 3 stories.
Septic tank installation
This study is used to determine the soil characteristics at the location of a proposed septic system (septic tank and drain field, also called a leach field or absorption bed). This plan is used by a contractor to ensure the proper installation of a septic system and related facilities.
We no longer offer this type of study. We recommend that you contact a specialist technologist or engineer in your area.
Materials testing and other tests
It is generally recommended to conduct quality control at the various stages of construction to guarantee the quality and stability of the planned structure. Multitest is able to carry out this type of study, including:
inspection of foundation soils before concreting the footings
monitoring of backfilling (with nuclear densitometer), compaction, concreting, paving, etc.
the quality and strength of the concrete (for example, to check the condition of the foundation walls of a building).
Please contact us according to your needs.
WHAT IS THE COST AND TIME REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GEOTECHNICAL STUDY?
COST
Established on a case-by-case basis. For example, in the Montreal area and its surroundings, a geotechnical study of the soil bearing capacity can cost approximately $5,000 to $10,000 for small residential (from single-family homes to triplexes), commercial or industrial projects of three stories or less.
TURNAROUND TIME
Established on a case-by-case basis. A report is usually provided approximately 30 working days after the work is completed.
QUALITY AND CREDIBILITY OF OUR GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES
The geotechnical studies carried out by our selected professionals are prepared and/or supervised by an engineer in accordance with the National Building Code , the standards of the Canadian Manual of Foundation Engineering and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
Multitest and its specialists are covered by errors and omissions liability insurance.
FREQUENTLY VISITED TESTS
ENSURE YOUR PROJECT’S SUCCESS BY CONTACTING US TODAY!
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For certified soil analysis services in Montreal, on the North Shore and South Shore, contact Multitest today. Our team of experts offers accurate analyses, fast turnaround times, and professional recommendations to ensure your project meets all safety and environmental standards.
WE ARE CERTIFIED AND EXPERIENCED SOIL TESTING EXPERTS
We have extensive experience in environmental assessments, soil and groundwater contamination analysis and geotechnical studies, ensuring compliance with Quebec's safety and environmental regulations.
What types of soil analyses do we offer?
Environmental soil contamination tests (heavy metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants).
Geotechnical analysis of soils (compaction, permeability, foundation stability).
Phase I, II and III site environmental assessments and decontamination.