How To Evaluate a Septic System Before Buying a House
Septic systems are a vital part of any home. If the septic system goes, you could end up with sewage leaking through your house. Despite this importance, these systems are often overlooked during the process of buying a house. This oversight could lead to costly renovations and the expense of a new septic system installation down the road. Here are three considerations to help ensure you have a healthy septic system before making that large purchase.
- Do Not Ignore the Results of a Home Inspection
It may be tempting to ignore certain findings in the general home inspection in order to close on your new house quicker. While not everything needs to be fixed or replaced before you move in, it’s important to address all findings in the report so you aren’t stuck with any surprises once you move in.
- Have the Septic System Inspected Separately
You or the seller can hire a licensed septic system installation company to inspect the current septic system. These professionals can provide you with estimates on how much it would cost to upgrade or repair the unit. Depending on their assessment, they may recommend that the unit be replaced. If this happens, you can negotiate with the seller to either replace the system, lower the purchase price or offer seller’s credits.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud
Make sure you stay informed during the inspection process. This can include getting a copy of the report if the seller is arranging the inspection. It’s even better to be there in person so you can monitor the process and make sure you no one tries to take advantage of you.
Buying a home is expensive and hiring a septic system installation company may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, the benefits of knowing the state of your septic system, and taking care of any potential repairs or replacements before moving in, far outweigh this cost.