perk test...

[Joker]

Ditto Ryan.

In those circumstances where a perk test has not been performed, you can always look to the soils book to determine the soil type of the property (see, us farmboys are useful for something). Some soil types will definately drain while others will never drain properly. Septic systems are preliminarily approved (locally) based upon the soil type. Get yourself a soils book for your county and learn how to read it.

 

[CANative]

I use an extraodinary assumption.

I can't imagine a client who will allow an appraisal to be held up while they wait (and pay for) a perc test.

And I wouldn't hang my hat on looking at a regional soils book in evaluating an individual lot. Who knows what the geology is in any given small area of land?

 

[Bobby Bucks]

I know a few general contractors who will be enlightened to know that perk tests are irrelevant in the appraisal process.

 

[CANative]

So you won't complete an assignment without a perc test?

 

[Bobby Bucks]

I didn’t say that…. I agree with using an EA. Red ink, bold and all caps.

 

[robert higgins]

Hmm ok, I see most ya'all are from the west side of town, so a, what is a perk/perc test.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

How to determine how you make your coffee?

 

[Joker]

Who knows what the geology is in any given small area of land?

The USDA knows. And since they published the soil surveys, you can know also. You'd be surprised how easy it is once you see one. Large amounts of land may have only one soil type. Of couse this won't necessarily work for a 50x50 lot in an area where several soil types converge but that didn't seem to be the lot size in the scenarios.

And for the record I use an EA also, but I generally do check the soils book as well. Especially on larger tracts. They not only provide you with soil types but also slopes (topography).

 

[Mountain Man]

I agree with those who use an EA. I remember one deal several years ago, wonderful property in the mountains. Beautiful view of the lakes, mountains, many babbling springs, 2.2 acres.... and there was absolutely NO WHERE on the lot that was found suitable for a septic system.

 

[TEL2002]

How much is a perk test costing today?

Before I purchased it, I had my land tested in 1987 and it cost me $600. Dug 3 holes on my 3 acres...each about 16' deep. Went as deep as the backhoe could make them.

Lots of lousy blue clay in my area. The geologist was going crazy asking me if he could keep different rocks & then hauling them to his car. Said he had no idea they existed in my area. Apparently deposited by during the last ice age.