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CHECKLIST:
What You Should Know
. . . Before Making Your Decision!
In the last issue of LAND RUSH,
we covered topic 7of 11 suggested questions you should ask before
making your land purchase decision. In this issue, we'll cover the
eigth one - about water and utilities- in depth.
8. What, if any, utilities are
provided?
When you find just the right property, how will
you get power and telephone service? Is there added cost to run
the power lines a long distance into the property, or what about
underground utilities?
If the property you have chosen is on a state
road, you’ll probably notice overhead utility lines along
the road. Occasionally, they may also cut across some portion of
the property - a good sign that power is indeed available.
Duke Power and Blue Ridge Electric Co-op serve
the northern mountains with electric power. Numerous telephone companies
do the same, and some offer DSL Internet connections. Answers to
specific questions should be directed to the appropriate supplier.
Only they can give specifics on availability, as well as price quotations
for special services.
Suffice it to say that few, if any, properties
in our area are left without utilities. You'll find several options
exist for water, however, and we'll outline those below:
Wells - First, we get our water
mostly from “drilled” wells. These are 6” wells
drilled through the topsoil, through solid granite until reaching
a vein of water, then drilled further until reaching solid rock
again. Depths can run from 250’to 600’ or even deeper.
Well drilling companies charge by the foot, plus pump and wiring.
We’ve heard of rates from $8-$12 per foot. Several factors
affect the quality of the well, including gallons per minute. The
drilling company measures this and places a metal ID tag on each
well giving the gallons per minute, as well as the static water
level. A well producing just 1-2 gallons per minute can usually
be adequate to serve a single home.
Springs – Another source
of water is a spring. A spring is a vein of water that makes it
to the surface and spills onto the ground. A “spring house”
can be built over the top of a spring with a reserve tank and pump
attached. The water is then pumped to the house like a well.
Gravity Water - During a lightning
storm or ice storm, electric power can be lost for short periods
of time, creating an inconvenience. When the power goes, so goes
your well pump – and your supply of water. A gravity water
system requires neither a pump nor electricity. This water source
originates from a spring that is located at an elevation above the
house. A pipe is placed into the spring and runs downhill to a storage
reservoir. A pipe is then connected from the storage tank to the
house. Because the reservoir is located above the house, it runs
downhill by “gravity” only, needing no pump. Knowing
how high above the house to locate the water storage takes a little
engineering. A rule of thumb says it should be located 2’
above the house for every 1 pound of pressure desired.
Septic Systems – Sewage
disposal is by septic system here in the mountains. A permit is
required to install a septic system, and is issued by the county
health department. The permit requires a percolation test to determine
the suitability of the soil. This is a test that determines how
quickly the soil absorbs water. When buying a large land tract,
you should have no difficulty obtaining a permit. Nevertheless,
consider adding a clause in your purchase contract stating that
the contract is contingent upon being able to obtain a septic permit.
The cost for a conventional septic system currently runs between
$2,500-$3,000.
PAST TOPICS INCLUDE:
(click on a topic to read about it)
INTRODUCTION
1.
Has the property been surveyed recently?
2.
What is the topography of the property?
3.
Is the property accessed by public road or right-of-way?
4.
How much are the property taxes each year?
5.
Are there any restrictive covenants or zoning on the property?
6.
Will sellers finance the property or do they expect cash?
7.
How much earnest money should you offer?
UPCOMING TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
9.
How much are the closing costs to complete the transaction?
10. Are there any hunting leases
in effect on the property?
11. Are there easements or rights-of-way
for the benefit of others?
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