Buying a lake lot

The majority of the homes on Lake Norman are on septic systems. This use to be the sticks may years ago.

JoeinNY wrote: [If this was 1915 instead of 2015 some engineers would draw up some plans and some guys with pick ax and shovel would start digging

Yup, that's how they used to do it. Thankfully the codes now are strict not allowing any seepage into the lakes.

Riley wrote: 8122pbrainard wrote: Tim D wrote: How many houses are on the waterfront now? Can't believe they would allow septic tanks on waterfront lots.    How do you get city sewers to millions of lake front properties on millions of lake acres? Read up on how septic systems work. Practically all lake front houses in Maine are on septic system. We only have sewer systems in densely developed urban and suburban areas. None in rural areas which is the majority of the state. Some lakes are even drinking supplies. Pete, I've been told that Lake Lure, in NC, a man made lake has the sewer lines in the lake, so perhaps that is how you get sewer to lake front properties.

That is true about Lake Lure. Some 20 miles of buried sewer lines under the lake.

8122pbrainard wrote: Tim D wrote: How many houses are on the waterfront now? Can't believe they would allow septic tanks on waterfront lots.    How do you get city sewers to millions of lake front properties on millions of lake acres? Read up on how septic systems work.

Practically all lake front houses in Maine are on septic system. We only have sewer systems in densely developed urban and suburban areas. None in rural areas which is the majority of the state. Some lakes are even drinking supplies.

Pete, I've been told that Lake Lure, in NC, a man made lake has the sewer lines in the lake, so perhaps that is how you get sewer to lake front properties.

Tim D wrote: How many houses are on the waterfront now? Can't believe they would allow septic tanks on waterfront lots.

As long as it perks with conventional or alternate systems if not and set backs are followed. How do you get city sewers to millions of lake front properties on millions of lake acres? Read up on how septic systems work.

How many houses are on the waterfront now? Can't believe they would allow septic tanks on waterfront lots.

Donald, You're welcome to pee in my yard anytime.

Air206 wrote: Esp. if you want a potty in the detached garage (our #2 problem -pun intended).

Steve,

You better have a potty in that detached garage, you keep inviting me to your lake house and telling me that is where I will sleep or pass out. You know I will need a potty or I will be forced to use your neighbor's yard.   

Donald

My opinion, based on experiences. Don't be afraid of the lot because what some people say. Be afraid of the lot when the professionals from your area determine what is necessary and the associated costs involved. A well or septic within a 2 mile radius may need drastically different design and price ranges than one on your property. Finding the local zoning would be the first start. Find out setbacks, design requirements, permit fees,etc. Some of these details are based on size of house, bathrooms, bedrooms, fixture count, and so on...find out what they require first. Then contact some local well drillers and septic companies and with your new "specs" get some information on designs and pricing from them. Again, use local professionals as they will somewhat know the area conditions and requirements already.
Examples, my well is 180' deep and flows only 1.4 gpm. It works for a household of 5, high efficiency washer, but you can't water the lawn or fill the hot tub (385 gal) in one shot. Neighbors is 1/2 mile away and 120', less people but he never runs out of water. Another neighbor 1.5 miles away is 985' and DRY, they haul water weekly.
My septic is a sand filter, I think also called a mound system or its a type of mound system(mine is not actually a mound). I had quotes for $6500-18,000 for this system. I hauled some materials and did some labor and it was $4400 out of pocket. Some mechanical systems use power, some require a maintenance contract (by the county, 2 yrs prepaid) about $1500 per year were my quotes, plus the $25,000 for initial installation.
There are really too many variables to give you any type of accurate estimate, talk to the local zoning and then talk to the local contractors and you will get the most accurate information. Keep in mind labor is a huge variable, another reason to use local bids. Also I always add 10% when I budgeted, sometimes it was enough, sometimes not quite, usually worked out overall on the house as a whole.

Steve,
Since the property is heavy shale and clay, I'd say an "engineered" field is a mound system. No matter how big the field is the soil isn't the greatest. Talk to a plumber who can give you the details. Who did the perk test? I'd talk to him first.

I paid 8K for a 50' well but I'm in sandy soil. Again, talk to the well driller and get a quote. BTW, I got 3 quotes for mine and all were the same price!!