ENVIRONMENT · PRIVATE HOUSING

Environmental surveys for private housing in Moscow and Moscow Region

We check background radiation, radon, and chemical and sanitary-biological soil indicators. You receive an environmental assessment report on the plot complete with test certificates, conclusions, and recommendations for your future house, garden, and recreation area.

  • 100 000 ₽
  • 2 weeks
  • Operating hours since 2013
  • 400+ projects across all disciplines
Test 1 · on-site measurementsBackground radiationA gamma radiation survey and measurements show the radiological conditions on the plot.

Why you need environmental surveys for your plot

When buying a plot to build a country house, we usually seek to escape urban noise, smog, and stuffiness to enjoy nature and fresh air. However, a beautiful view and a well-kept lawn tell you nothing about soil condition or background radiation. Environmental surveys help check what cannot be seen during a visual inspection and factor the findings in before building your home.

Gamma survey — checking background radiation.
We measure gamma radiation levels and look for areas with elevated readings. This check helps detect radiation anomalies, including those caused by contaminated soil. If any are found, it is important to know before construction and landscaping in order to determine the necessary protective measures.

Radon flux density — obtaining data to protect your future home.
Radon is a naturally occurring colourless and odourless radioactive gas. It is released from the ground and can penetrate indoor spaces, where its accumulation increases the risk of lung cancer. We measure radon exhalation from the soil so that the designer can factor this data in when selecting radon protection and ventilation systems.

Soil chemical composition — testing the plot for gardening, growing produce, and recreation.
We test samples for heavy metals, petroleum products and other contaminants. Contaminated soil can become a source of exposure to harmful substances through direct contact and inhalation of dust. The results help decide whether soil remediation is needed before putting in vegetable beds, a lawn or a children's play area.

Sanitary and biological indicators — identifying contamination associated with infectious risks.
We test the microbiological indicators of the soil and check for parasite eggs and larvae. This is particularly important where children will play and vegetables will be grown: contaminated soil can be a source of infection. Based on the results, we determine whether soil remediation measures are required.

These surveys are part of looking after your family’s health and preparing the plot for living. You receive factual data, clear conclusions and practical recommendations so you can take the plot's characteristics into account when designing your house and landscaping.

Interesting factEnvironmental surveys

A few centimetres of soil take up to a thousand years to form

According to the FAO, the formation of just 2–3 centimetres of soil can take up to a thousand years. The rate depends on natural conditions. The fertile layer stripped during construction may be the result of a very long natural process.

Source: FAO

A teaspoon of soil holds an entire living world

A spoonful of topsoil can contain around a billion microscopic cells. Soil microorganisms break down organic matter, cycle nutrients and lock in carbon.

Source: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Natural gas from the ground can be imperceptible

Radon is formed during the natural radioactive decay of elements in rocks and soils. It is colourless and odourless, so it can only be detected with instruments. Its presence is not necessarily linked to industrial pollution.

Source: US EPA

Two 60 dB sources produce around 63 dB together

If two independent noise sources each produce 60 dB at the measurement point, the combined level will be around 63 dB. Sound levels add together logarithmically by energy — ordinary arithmetic does not apply here.

Source: OSHA

How we survey a plot for a private house

From site visit to environmental report — 2 weeks.

1Site visit

Site inspection, measurements and sampling

Site visit

An environmental specialist inspects the plot, carries out a gamma radiation survey and radon flux density measurements, and collects soil samples. Sampling and measurement points are logged so that the results can be tied to specific locations on the plot.

Stage outcome: Field measurements and soil samples prepared for delivery to the laboratory.

Site inspection, measurements and sampling
  • Site walkover and selection of sampling and measurement points
  • Gamma radiation survey and background radiation measurements
  • Radon flux density from the soil surface
  • Soil sampling and labelling
ENVIRONMENT · PRIVATE HOUSING
2Laboratory stage

Laboratory soil testing

Laboratory stage

The laboratory tests the chemical, sanitary and biological parameters of the soil. The test reports contain factual findings — revealing what cannot be judged from the outward appearance of the plot.

Stage outcome: Test certificates with actual soil parameters.

Laboratory soil testing
  • Chemical contamination indicators
  • Microbiological indicators
  • Parasitological indicators
  • Laboratory test certificates
ENVIRONMENT · PRIVATE HOUSING
3Office stage

Assessment of results and recommendations

Office stage

We correlate field and laboratory data and assess the condition of the plot across the tested parameters. In our report, we explain the findings and formulate recommendations that the owner and designer can incorporate before construction and landscaping.

Stage outcome: Clear conclusions on the condition of the plot and recommendations for further decisions.

Assessment of results and recommendations
  • Results of on-site measurements
  • Laboratory test results
  • Conclusions on the tested parameters
  • Recommendations for the owner and the designer
ENVIRONMENT · PRIVATE HOUSING
✓Total: 2 weeks

Environmental assessment report on the plot

Total: 2 weeks

You receive field and laboratory test results, conclusions and recommendations. The assessment helps you understand the condition of the plot and provides your designer with the data needed for your future home.

  • Results of the gamma survey and background radiation measurements
  • Radon flux density from the soil surface
  • Certificates of chemical and sanitary-biological soil testing
  • Conclusions and recommendations on the tested parameters

Stay in touch: we will explain the findings and answer any questions about the completed work with no time limit.

Environmental assessment report on the plot — sample layout

Sample layout of an environmental report.

Cost of environmental plot surveys

First plot — 100,000 ₽. Each additional plot in a combined order — 80,000 ₽.

First plot100 000 ₽Surveys and environmental report on the plot.
Each additional plot80 000 ₽Separate surveys and report for the next plot.

Order together with your neighbours: one shared site visit, with separate testing and a separate assessment report for each plot.

Cost of surveys in a single order
100 000 ₽per 1 plot
Plots in the order1
  • 2 plots180 000 ₽
  • 3 plots260 000 ₽
  • 4 plots340 000 ₽

Turnaround time — 2 weeks.

Order surveys

Questions about environmental surveys for private housing

Why carry out surveys before designing a house?

The results are needed before design begins: data on radon and soil condition help account for the plot’s specific characteristics when preparing the house and landscaping design. The owner receives factual information about the plot, and the designer gets the baseline data for their decisions.

Can a plot be surveyed before purchase?

Yes, provided access has been agreed with the owner for visual inspection, measurements and sampling. Environmental surveys complement the urban planning analysis: one answers questions about soil quality and radiological conditions, while the other covers development potential and building restrictions.

What do I need to provide to get started?

The cadastral number or address of the plot, any existing plan, and information on where the house is to be located. Site access is required for fieldwork. If you do not have a design yet, the surveys can be carried out before it is developed.

Can I order surveys together with my neighbours?

Yes. When we visit multiple plots at the same time under a single order, the first plot costs 100,000 ₽ and each additional plot costs 80,000 ₽. For two plots the total cost is 180,000 ₽, and for three plots it is 260,000 ₽. Each plot is surveyed individually and receives its own separate assessment report.

Who will explain the survey results?

In our assessment report and covering notes, we explain the findings in plain language. Once the documents have been handed over, we remain on hand: you can contact us at any time with questions about the completed work. Post-delivery support has no time limit.

Order an environmental survey of your plot

Provide the cadastral number or address of the plot and your contact details. If you are ordering together with neighbours, let us know how many plots need to be surveyed.