Perc Tests and Site Evaluations
A Site Evaluation is often referred
to as a Perc Test. Although a perc test is a part of the
evaluation. It is only one small part of the process.
Finding the right piece of property
is the most important aspect of building a new home.
When purchasing a previously owned home the development
has already been sorted out, but if you are looking to
purchase a property to build new, you should have a
thorough understanding of the property’s potential and
limitations before you spend your hard-earned money on a
pretty piece of property that may not suit your needs or
worse yet, be unbuildable. Let us work with you to find
the solution that’s right for you
Whether you are selling or buying
undeveloped property a Site Evaluation is the right
place to start. If the property cannot sustain water or
sewer, the property cannot be developed. A Site
Evaluation is a written opinion that the property can be
developed based on local and state criteria for sewage
disposal. If you are selling property, a site evaluation
can increase the value of the property because a
prospective buyer will pay more for land they know can
be developed. If you are purchasing a
parcel of land, do not assume that the land will “perc”
somewhere on the site; this is not necessarily the case.
Be a smart buyer and know the property will meet your
needs before you commit to such an important investment.
A thorough Site Evaluation is an
assessment of your property which includes a site visit,
a review of the available property data, and a review of
the state and local regulations. During the site visit
we will identify test pit locations for a potential
septic system by examining a variety of features
including, but not limited to: topography, vegetation,
slopes, property line demarcations, buildings, wells,
roads, and driveways. We verify sufficient area for a
well and evaluate possible leachfield areas by studying
soil characteristics, and of course, we will perform the
perc test which determines the soil’s filtration
capability.
Research of the property includes a
review of available topographic mapping, soil mapping,
boundary plans, and current property deed information.
We review state and local permits relating to water,
sewer, drainage, mapped wetlands, earth disturbances,
erosion control, and property restrictions. We will
record the test pit locations and soil descriptions for
future construction plans and/or prepare a letterform
report. The Site Evaluation report will tell you whether
or not the property is suitable for sewage disposal. The
information also determines the size and type of system
that can be used. The delivered report is detailed with
pertinent local, state, and specific site data, test pit
logs, perc test rates, and a if requested, a
professional CAD sketch of the property and potential
leachfield sites.
A professionally prepared
Site Evaluation Report will help you minimize
your risk, while maximizing your property investment.
.