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Phone: 508-776-2289 Fax: 508-398-4259 E-mail: susangreene112@msn.com |
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63 Lower County Road Dennisport, Ma . 02639 |
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Susan Greene 508-776-2289 |
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The state of Massachusetts requires a Title 5 Certification at the time ownership is transferred. The state sets a minimal standard that all septic systems must meet. However, individual towns may raise that standard. For example; one town may allow cesspools to pass while another may demand that cesspools are an automatic failure. Only licensed inspectors are allowed to issue the eleven page report required and submit it to the town for final approval. Inspectors must be licensed by the individual town because of the varying requirements from town to town. If the system fails, you have two years from the date of the inspection to install a new one.
The cost of the inspection is approximately $350.00 plus a $25.00 fee to the town. A passed certificate is good for two years. If the system should fail, you do have options. Buyers need to know the design of the new system. This will tell them how many bedrooms, not bathrooms, the system will support and if it will be above ground, which is not necessarily the end of the world. The correct landscaping can make the above ground septic system fit in with the present surroundings. So while it is imperative to have the engineering done, it is not necessary to have the system installed. Once the plans have been drawn, I recommend getting three estimates. Because many sellers do not have the capital to install a new system, most banks will allow 1½ times the installation cost to be held by the closing attorney at the time of the transfer.
The engineering cost can run from $1,800.00 - $2,500.00.
The installation cost depends on the type of system that is required for you particular home.
You should be aware that if your system fails, it can be a very lengthy process before engineering plans are approved by the town. I strongly suggest having your system inspected as soon as possible. |
