Q: I'm looking to buy a property that has an existing structure that hasn't been used in 12-plus years. It has well and septic but the status and placement of the septic system is unknown. My question is this: Should I ask for a percentage test or deep-hole test prior to closing? It's February here in the North East (upstate NY), so I'm not sure when this test could be … [Read more...] about How To Inspect A Septic System
Buying Land
Testing for Well & Septic On New Lot
Q: We are planning to buy a partly developed building lot. Do you need a perc test if there is sewer hookup at the road? Also, is there such a thing as a well test? -- Jim A: If you planning to tie into the municipal sewer system, then there is no need for a perc test. If you have the option of installing an onsite sewage system, and wish to do so for financial or other … [Read more...] about Testing for Well & Septic On New Lot
Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Don asks: Our house measures just over the EPA limit for radon. Is this something we should be concerned about or are the risks overblown? How effective are radon mitigation systems and what do they cost? -- Doug M. Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: While radon stories rarely appear in the news anymore, the health risk from exposure to high levels is real and … [Read more...] about Radon Risks and Best Way To Mitigate
Are Alternative Septic Systems Allowed?
Richard writes: My lot will not accommodate a conventional leach field. What alternatives can you suggest and who would you recommend to design alternative septic systems? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: What is acceptable in your area after a failed perc test is determined by local building codes and health department regulations, so you should first check … [Read more...] about Are Alternative Septic Systems Allowed?
Treatments for Acidic Water
Daryl writes: I purchased a vacation home last year and noticed blue stains in the shower and bathroom sink. Is this due to acidic water and is it detrimental to a person’s health? Can you drink acidic water? Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, responds: Your problem is most likely acidic water. A water test, which you can arrange with your town’s health department for a … [Read more...] about Treatments for Acidic Water
Is Earnest Money Refundable?
Gina writes: We recently bought a lot in Point Cook, VIC, Australia. We signed the contract and made a 10% deposit, but the deal has not closed yet. Before we signed the contract, the master plan showed that the lots across the road were individual lots. The salesperson told us that these lots would be used for display homes. But now the five lots cross road are being used … [Read more...] about Is Earnest Money Refundable?
Building on Poor Soils
Sandy writes: We were told the lot we were buying had "bad dirt" which didn't compact properly. So the builder is supposedly removing all the bad dirt and replacing it so that a home on a slab foundation can be built. How common is this practice and what can we do to ensure everything was done properly? Also, my husband saw them removing dirt and dumping it on the lot next door … [Read more...] about Building on Poor Soils
Beware Expansive Clay Soils
Will writes: I have purchased a home on clay-type soil. No soil samples were taken, and my foundation has moved severely -- severely enough to have eighth-inch cracks in every room and the tile has popped loose. I started having these problems within the first 4 months of living in the home. We moved in just 2 weeks after the home was finished from new construction. At one … [Read more...] about Beware Expansive Clay Soils