Buying a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones—until you discover that your dream house comes with a nightmare septic system. In Alberta, skipping this crucial step can turn your new property into a money pit faster than you can comprehend. Imagine moving into your new home, only to discover that your first housewarming gift is a repair bill that could range from $60,000 to $100,000.
You can avoid this situation with a proper septic system inspection and save yourself trouble and money. Unlike others, SepTech Canada isn’t out to sell you a new tank or system. We’re here to ensure you have all the facts before you purchase your dream property.
Before you fall head over heels for that charming property in Edmonton and the surrounding rural counties, let’s dive into why a septic system inspection should be at the top of your home-buying checklist.
The Importance of Septic System Inspections
In Alberta, septic system inspections are not mandatory when buying or selling a home. In other provinces, banks require a thorough inspection to do a title change, but Alberta doesn’t have the same rules, although they should.
In our experience, many buyers skip the septic inspection because they don’t know they should have one or because of urgency in the sale. Within 24 months, they have a $60,000 to $100,000 repair on their hands.
Many homeowners don’t trust septic companies to do their inspections because it’s a bit of a conflict of interest. They think they are being done in bad faith and with a bias to sell repair or replacement services. Like the saying, “Don’t ask your barber if you need a haircut,” people feel similarly about repair services for any part of their homes.
A rural property’s most expensive asset is its septic system, so having assurance before you buy the property can save you heartache in the long run.
Consequences of a Skipped Septic Inspection
Whether you’ve skipped an inspection entirely or are relying on a home inspector who isn’t trained for septic, there are risks involved with an incomplete inspection.
Septic system inspections should always be conducted by a qualified septic system professional, not a general home inspector. Home inspectors lack the specialized knowledge required for a thorough septic system evaluation.
Without a professional, there is a risk of incomplete assessments, inaccurate diagnoses, safety hazards, environmental damage, and potential property value impacts. Misinterpreting septic issues can lead to unnecessary repairs or overlooking serious problems, while improper handling can cause environmental contamination.
Inaccurate assessments can lower property value and escalate repair costs over time. Regular inspections from a professional are essential to identify and take care of issues early, preventing system failures and costly repairs.
The Role of Septic System Inspections in the Home Buying Process
Septic inspections typically fall outside the scope of standard home inspections, as home inspectors are not equipped to evaluate the complexities of septic systems. Our experienced technicians specialize in septic system inspections, providing you with a comprehensive assessment and peace of mind.
Sellers
Getting a septic system inspection is crucial when buying or selling rural property. Before listing your property, we can perform a septic inspection to identify any issues a potential buyer’s inspection might reveal. Addressing these issues in advance can prevent offers from falling through or costly hold-backs. Conducting a septic system inspection before listing your property allows you to price it appropriately and confidently advertise that the system is in excellent condition.
Buyers
When purchasing a rural property, our inspection services can help you understand the system’s condition, enabling you to budget for necessary repairs and maintenance. Knowing the state of the septic system beforehand can inform your decision-making, potentially saving you from unexpected replacement costs that could reach $60,000.
Choosing SepTech Canada for Your Septic System Inspection
SepTech offers an unmatched level of service with our septic system inspection services. Our septic system reports are detailed and thorough, unlike anything our competitors offer. In cases where we’ve been the second opinion, our reporting tools are truly miles ahead of other inspectors.
We Set the Standard
We’re not here to sell you a septic tank. We pride ourselves on being able to provide an unbiased inspection because we know that our clients are worried about being sold to or told they need something expensive when they don’t. Especially during the real estate process, where a bad inspection could result in the loss of a sale, they may want to avoid it altogether. Protecting your assets and peace of mind is easy with our best-in-class inspections.
The Most Comprehensive, Data-driven, and Ethical Inspections in the Industry
If you’re buying a rural property, you need a septic system inspection. We’ve seen so many homeowners receive the devastating news that they need a new septic system, costing upwards of $60,000 when they could have avoided buying the property or negotiated the sale price. Our inspections are 100% data-driven, eliminating bias as we present the facts as we see them.
SepTech Canada sets the industry standard for septic system inspections, so call us today to book yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a septic system inspection cost?
Septic system inspections generally range from $249 to $899. The price varies based on the detail required about your system and whether a comprehensive report is needed to meet bank requirements for financing a rural property.
Why should I get a septic system inspection if it’s not required?
Ultimately, peace of mind. Too often, we see homeowners who didn’t have an inspection done during the sale process require a replacement within two years, costing them up to $100,000. Knowing the state of your septic system before purchasing your home is akin to a home inspection – it’s very risky to purchase a home without one.
What do I do after a septic system inspection?
Not all inspections result in a perfectly functioning system. Some may reveal components that need repair or replacement. During the real estate process, you can use the information on the septic system report to determine if you’d like to continue with the sale or discuss your options with your realtor. You may be able to negotiate a better price for the home if significant repairs are needed.
