We are trying to purchase the last lot in our subdivision to build a house. Unfortunately we are not on the best terms with the builder who owns the lot. He just finished building a house on the lot next door. He says that he does not have a soil test. Our lender is requiring a soil test which I hear can run $1,000. This lot is already hooked up to municipal water and septic systems and is part of a subdivision that has been built for approx. 5 years. Does anyone know whether this is really necesary for the lender. Or where I might find a copy of soil tests that would have been prepared when this subdivision was started? Please help!!
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If your lot requires a septic system, you will require a soil (perc) test. This is a test to see how well water seeps into the soil on your lot. Will be required to build so may as well go ahead & get one. No sense planning a big home project if it won't pass the soil test. Each lot requires this test and one for the subdivision won't be accepted.
The lender is pretty much able to make the rules and tell you what you need to supply if you want to borrow their money. If you will require an on-site septic system, then a perc test observed and recorded by a professional will be required. If the subdivision is tied to municipal sewer, then the plans and specifications for the subdivision and the subdivision road shouold be a matter of public record and should be available for inspection and copies at the local building department.
If you're not on good terms with the lot owner, then ask him for recommendations for soil testing. Ask at the local building department. Depending on where you are, the digging for the test can be done by anyone with a backhoe. The professional to observe and record might be an civil engineer or surveyor.
Where I live, the builder cannot sell a lot that has not passed the perc test (if it's not on city sewer). I'm surprised that he is trying to sell a lot that he SAYS he has not tested.
I would talk to other lot owners to get more information, if possible.
Another thing, around here, a perc test doesn't cost $1000, but that might be a local thing. Try checking with the city or county, or whoever does the inspections.
I would talk to other lot owners to get more information, if possible.
Another thing, around here, a perc test doesn't cost $1000, but that might be a local thing. Try checking with the city or county, or whoever does the inspections.
[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited February 13, 2003).]
