GeoTed provides engineering geology and environmental evaluations for homeowners, hillside lots, escrow transactions, and small-site developments across Southern California. Below are detailed answers to the questions clients most often ask about soil testing, slope stability, drainage, retaining walls, escrow inspections, ADU and pool reviews, methane and radon testing, and how our reports support permitting. If your question isn't covered here, reach out and we'll help.
A geological inspection evaluates the surface and subsurface conditions of a property to identify issues related to slope stability, drainage, erosion, retaining walls, fill versus native soils, and potential geologic hazards. A licensed geologist reviews how the land behaves, what it's made of, and how water moves across and through it. This type of evaluation is especially important for hillside homes, older properties, and lots undergoing new construction, where unstable slopes or undocumented fill can affect safety and cost.
Engineering geology focuses on the geologic conditions of a site — rock, soil, groundwater, slopes, and hazards such as landslides or expansive soils. Geotechnical engineering builds on that geologic understanding to provide specific engineering recommendations for foundations, grading, and earthwork. For many residential and small-site projects, a focused geological evaluation answers the key questions; when a project needs detailed foundation or grading design, further geotechnical input may be recommended. GeoTed specializes in right-sized evaluations rather than broad, corporate-style reports.
A geological inspection is commonly recommended when buying or selling a hillside or sloped property; when you see drainage issues such as ponding, seepage, or persistently wet soil; when you notice movement or cracking in slopes, walls, or foundations; when planning an ADU, addition, renovation, or pool; when experiencing repeated water intrusion or erosion; or when a city or engineer requests geological input for permitting.
Depending on the property, an on-site evaluation may include a slope, wall, and drainage assessment; a visual review of soil materials and site grading; identification of instability indicators such as erosion, settlement, and cracking; review of drainage pathways and surface runoff; photos and documentation; and clear, practical recommendations for next steps. A written summary or formal letter or report can be provided upon request to support escrow, permitting, or design decisions.
Yes. GeoTed provides fast-turnaround escrow geological inspections to help buyers and sellers understand slope conditions, drainage risks, retaining wall concerns, past grading, and overall geologic suitability before closing. These evaluations are designed to fit real-estate timelines and give agents, buyers, and lenders a clear picture of geologic risk during due diligence.
Often, yes — especially for hillside or previously graded lots. A geological review can help determine soil and bedrock stability, correct footing depth, whether the site contains undocumented fill, drainage considerations, and whether further geotechnical input is needed. Addressing these questions early helps prevent costly design changes and permitting delays later in the project.
Water intrusion and drainage problems often come from surface runoff, poor site grading, blocked or undersized drainage, high groundwater, or subsurface seepage. Left unaddressed, they can undermine foundations, saturate slopes, and accelerate erosion. GeoTed identifies the surface and subsurface sources of water on a property and recommends practical drainage and grading improvements to protect foundations, slopes, and long-term property performance.
Yes. Retaining walls and slopes are a core focus of our work. We assess signs of movement, tilting, cracking, drainage behind walls, and erosion at the toe and crest of slopes. For hillside properties, slope stability evaluation helps homeowners understand whether observed conditions are cosmetic or a sign of deeper geologic movement, and what steps are appropriate to stabilize the site.
A methane soil gas survey measures methane levels in the soil to identify leaks, decomposition gases, or contamination that could migrate toward a structure. In parts of Southern California, methane testing and mitigation are required for permitting in designated methane zones. GeoTed performs soil gas surveys and explains how the results relate to local requirements and any mitigation that may be needed.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can accumulate indoors and pose a long-term health risk. Radon testing measures indoor radon levels so that mitigation can be recommended where needed. GeoTed provides radon testing and evaluation for residential and commercial properties and explains the results in plain language, along with practical mitigation options when levels warrant attention.
An Environmental Site Assessment evaluates a property for potential contamination or environmental risk. A Phase I assessment is a non-intrusive review of site history, records, and current conditions to identify recognized environmental concerns. If concerns are identified, a Phase II assessment involves sampling and laboratory testing to confirm whether contamination is present. These assessments are common in property transactions and due diligence for commercial and small-site purchases.
GeoTed serves homeowners and small-site clients across Southern California, including Santa Clarita, the greater Los Angeles area, and Ventura County. Our focus on hillside lots, escrow transactions, and small-site developments makes us well suited to the varied terrain and geologic conditions found throughout the region.
Most site visits can be scheduled within a few business days, and we prioritize fast turnaround for escrow and due-diligence deadlines. The time to deliver a written summary or formal report depends on the scope of the evaluation and whether laboratory testing is involved. When you reach out, we can give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
Our written summaries and formal letters or reports are prepared to support permitting and design decisions, and are signed by registered California professional engineers and geologists. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project, so the best approach is to tell us what your city or engineer has requested. We can then scope an evaluation and report intended to address those specific requirements.
