Ask a Professional - November 2007

I just purchased a lot that’s just perfect for my family but where it’s located needs utilities because there is no access to water, electricity or sewer. So where do I start?

    The very first thing you need to do is check the access roads and talk to neighbors about your proposed lot. Then you’d hire a soils engineer in order so see if this lot is really feasible to build on. He’ll check to see if the soil will perk for a septic system and check to see where the best place on your lot to build the home. Then call a water well company and ask how deep they will have to go until they hit water. The deeper they go the more the cost. As far as electricity the first thing to do is to ask if there is any community effort to install transformers in or close to your lot. If not, see how long the sun is above in the winter to see if solar is feasible then check with your community or CCR if windmills are acceptable in your area. Oh, no! I’ve run out of time so we’ll have to continue this on the next issue.