I want to sell my house that has a failed septic system. I was told that I could get it replaced "under the table" for a 1/4 of the cost. Would there be issues if this new septic system gets inspected later?
2007-09-08 13:37:15 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I would be very worried to have it fixed under the table. 1st off
if something goes wrong down the line (even many years later), you will be held liable. Where if it is done by a well established company, you have recourse. Secondly, your township, county or state may not allow it. Meaning they will not pass it. Where I live they have to approve the plans for the new septic before they will allow it to be started. Also, depending on where you live they may not allow the house to close if you do not have the proof and papers you need.
I suggest you call your local public works department and ask what is needed. DO NOT give them your exact address. You can act as if you are looking in the area to purchase and were wondering what has to be done if you find a house with a questionable or failed septic. Keep in mind that at a 1/4 of the price...something is missing. Maybe it is a system only enough for a 2 person home. What happens when a family of four buy your home? Karma is a ***** and it will come back to you. If money is an issue now....have your agent put in the listing that you will give money in credit/escrow for a new septic system at the closing of the property. Get an estimate on the cost. Again, depending on where you live it could be very expensive. Our system cost almost $40,000. That was in part b/c a bunch of trees had to be cut down, it was during the winter months, it was a mound system set 2 acres behind the house & $5,000 of it was just for the plans for the new septic.
Best of luck, I am sure it will all work out just fine.
2007-09-08 14:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by Dani 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have asked this in the 'Legal' category of YA because the issue isn't about a septic system.
If the under the table guy is going to put back in the exact same manner as it was originally installed, it 'should' work. But, if (or when) it fails or it fails inspection, you could be held liable. The savings won't be so great if you have to pay for a 'half@ssed' repair now and a full price repair with possible damages on the side later. Throw in some legal fees as well. I've also read in the paper about those who have been prosecuted since there are health concerns.
I'd call for a permit and have it inspected when the works done.
2007-09-08 13:53:47 · answer #2 · answered by Whoda thunkit? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how stringent the health dept is in your locality. In some counties, a septic MUST PASS inspection before a property sale can be finalized. Some areas don't do this. You will not encounter fines for doing your own septic work, but you may be forced to modify it to pass at sale time. Then the cost is usually negotiated between buyer and seller, The seller usually ends up paying the upgrade.
2007-09-08 13:53:08 · answer #3 · answered by morris 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In Michigan we have the "dis-closure act" you have to relate all possible problems that you know of with the house or, you could be sued for the price of all repairs.
Then there's the Escrow account, where as they keep a certain amount of the money out for a certain time, until the house has been deemed O.K. and "things" won't happen.
I don't know how someone will be able to "under the desk" do this job and, get by. This is what the laws are about, It may sound smart to you but, how about the people that trusted you and are buying your house? could you sleep at night knowing you screwed them? shame!
2007-09-08 22:36:14 · answer #4 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This depends on where you live. Some places you don't even need a permit to replace a septic system. Other places you practically need a permit to flush your toilet.
Your best bet is to contact a Realtor or lawyer in your area to find out what all is required.
2007-09-08 17:02:02 · answer #5 · answered by mike b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to worry about a Health Department inspection, but you better be concerned with a Pre-Sale Home Inspection prior to getting a contract on the sale of your house. You will have to sign off,and literally be responsible for the costs of replacement anyway. I would just go ahead and replace it regardless, unless you want to postpone the sale of your house for months unnecessarily
2007-09-08 13:59:41 · answer #6 · answered by JD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. And you would be liable for fines as well as removal and replacement of the bootleg system.
Get a second opinion from another pumper.
2007-09-08 13:40:51 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋