Do You Live on a Septic System?
If so, there are requirements when you Sell or Buy a mountain property. Regulations vary somewhat from County to County within Colorado, but in general it is up to the Seller to have the Septic tank pumped, the system inspected and provide a Septic Use Permit or Transfer of Title to Buyer proving that the system is up to code and functioning properly.
Septic System Up to Code?
Septic systems are rated by the number of Bedrooms in a home and this is calculated based on two people per bedroom. So if you have a Three-bedroom septic system, it is intended to accommodate a family of six.
Septic System Important Information
The most common situation Realtors find is that the home appears to have more bedrooms than the system installed with facilitate. County records often reflect from the assessors office that there are four bedrooms, but when we pull the septic records, it shows that the system is only rated for three. Agents and homeowners have previously listed 4-bedroom homes with 3-bedroom septic. THIS IS NO LONGER PERMITTED. If you have a 3-bedroom septic and more bedrooms, it must be advertised as a 3-bedroom home. Of course, the photos and multi list system can reflect additional rooms, but they can no longer be called bedrooms.
Other important things to know; some counties are requiring the systems be brought up to current code prior to sale. Most counties require two-compartment septic tanks, dosing syphons, effluent filters and risers on the tank lids.
Have Questions? Where to Find Answers
Questions about what system you have? Best bet is to contact the Environmental Health Department at the county your home is located in.
Excellent reference information is also available on use of systems regarding what to put into the drains, and what NOT to put into the drains of your home. The United States Environmental Agency has great tips here: How to Care for Your Septic System
Many systems have switching leach fields, which were common in construction in the 1990’s. If your home has this type of system, you should be switching fields every six months. We like to tell people: Switch the field when you change your clocks. This is also a great time to replace batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, too!
As Certified Mountain Area Specialists, we are here to guide you through these processes and are just a text, email or phone call away. Contact Susan Sharnas, CMAS or Tyler Westcott, CMAS from Homes At New Heights/Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Your Mile High and Mountain Realtors.
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 | Susan Sharnas, CMAS and Tyler Westcott, CMAS Certified Mountain Area Specialists Mile High and Mountain Realtors - Here for You Serving the Mountain Community Since 1995 Susan: 303-475-3096 Tyler: 303-619-4817 Email: HomesAtNewHeights@gmail.com Website: homesatnewheights.cbintouch.com Address: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 26267 Conifer Rd, #202 Conifer, CO 80433 |
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