Building, adding on or dealing with foundation problems in Philadelphia, PA? Describe your project once and up to three geotechnical engineering firms that work in Philadelphia and Philadelphia County get back to you with a quote. Free, no obligation.
Philadelphia has about 1,573,916 residents (2024 Census Bureau estimate) and is shrinking (−1.9% since 2020). Whether you are building on a vacant lot or investigating cracks in an existing home, a soils report tells your designer what the ground can carry and how the foundation should be built.
Philadelphia at a glance
- Population (Census Bureau estimate, 2024)
- 1,573,916 (−1.9% since 2020)
- Rank in Pennsylvania
- 1st of 1,013 cities and towns
- Land area
- 134 sq mi
- Population density
- 11,717 people per sq mi (densely built-up)
- Type
- City (Philadelphia city)
- Main county
- Philadelphia County
What to check before hiring in Philadelphia
- Check the soil map: the USDA Web Soil Survey shows the mapped soils of your parcel, including shrink-swell (expansive clay) potential. It does not replace borings, but it helps you ask the right questions.
- Code requirements: building codes based on the International Building Code and International Residential Code call for a soil investigation where expansive, compressible or questionable soils are likely; the building department of Philadelphia or Philadelphia County can require a soils report before issuing a permit.
- License: a geotechnical report must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in Pennsylvania. Ask for the PE license number.
- Price drivers: number and depth of borings, site access for the drill rig, laboratory testing and the size of the structure.
Useful official resources
-
USDA Web Soil Survey
Official soil maps and properties for any parcel in the United States.
-
NCEES: state licensing boards
Check an engineer's Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Services available in Philadelphia
-
Soils report for new construction
Borings, lab tests and foundation recommendations for a planned building, often requested by the building department or the structural engineer.
-
Foundation problem investigation
Investigation of the soil under an existing building with cracks, settlement or heave, to understand the cause before repairs.
-
Compaction and materials testing
Field density (compaction) tests and inspections during site work and foundation construction.
Frequently asked questions in Philadelphia
Do I need a soils report to build in Philadelphia, PA?
Often yes for a new home, an addition on questionable soils or any commercial building: the local building department decides, based on the building code and known soil conditions. A geotechnical engineer can tell you quickly whether your project needs one.
How much does a geotechnical investigation cost?
It depends on the number and depth of borings, the lab tests and site access. A small residential soils report costs much less than an investigation for a commercial building. Describe your project to get quotes from firms that serve Philadelphia.
My walls or slab are cracking: who should I call?
A geotechnical or structural engineer can investigate the cause (soil movement, settlement, drainage) before any repair. Choose "Foundation problem investigation" in the form.
Who will contact me?
Up to three independent engineering firms that serve Philadelphia, chosen for the service you need. Your details are shared only with your consent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2024) and Gazetteer Files (public domain), imported on 10/31/2026. Figures describe the incorporated place or county as published; they are shown for information only.