Associated Terra Consultants

I contracted with Rick Haltenhoff, owner of Associated Terra Consultants to do a geotechnical survey of our new property. It is not easy as a layperson to find a local geologist to do this type of work. The majority of time a Town/​City planning department will require this type of analysis before getting final approvals on construction projects that require a large excavation, i.e., basements. Rick’s firm was recommended by a neighbor who used his firm in 2004 (pre-​Yelp) and had a very good experience through planning approval.
My architect recommended a larger firm but price was 3x of ATC, Rick scheduled the survey within 10 days. A three person team lead by Nicole (site geologist) dug two 20 feet holes. It was quite an experience watching the drill go through some very hard rock, my kids had a great time looking at all the soil samples. The crew was very friendly and professional and left the yard as it looked before they arrived.
The 1-​star knock is that we had a very difficult peer review process through the Town of Los Gatos. In the end Rick and team delivered and got that portion of our planning document approved. Rick is a seasoned geologist and has been doing this type of work in the South Bay for over 30 years.