What Do I Need to Know Before Closing?
Purchasing a home in the Buffalo, MN school district is a wise choice for many families. Buffalo has good schools and abundant activities in the area. This community has a large number of homes that utilize an onsite Septic System rather than a municipal sewer hookup. Buying a home with a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) may seem a little scary if you are not familiar with how they work. In this 2 Part article on Buying a Home with a Septic System, Custom Septic, Inc. will cover basic information on how a private sewer system works, Point of Sale Certificates, Compliance Inspections and what you should know before purchasing your new house.
Wright County Point of Sale Certificate for On-Site Septic System
The Wright County Government Center is located in the City of Buffalo, MN. The county is in charge of overseeing On-Site Septic Systems located in Buffalo and across Wright County. County ordinance requires that both the property buyer and seller sign a Point of Sale Certificate before property transer. This certificate signifies that a Sewer Treatment System located on the property has passed a Compliance Inspection or is Exempt under one of the approved provisions.
Septic System Compliance Inspections
Many Realtors and Mortgage Lenders require a Compliance Inspection prior to closing. This is done to Protect the Buyer from an costly surprises attributed to a Septic Malfunction. Buffalo, MN Septic System Guidelines are regulated by Wright County. Custom Septic, Inc. is an approved Septic Professional that provides Compliance Inspections as well as Septic Repairs, Septic System Upgrades and new Septic Designs and Installations.
Certificate of Compliance (COC)
A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is issued after your septic system has been inspected by a Licensed Septic Professional like Custom Septic, Inc. and found to be compliant with state and local codes. Passing a compliance inspection does not guarantee the future performance of your sewer system. Your inspector will evaluate the existing Wastewater Treatment System to make sure that all safety guidelines are being followed.
- Septic System located in a designated flood plain?
- Septic System follows guidelines to protect human health and safety?
- Septic System adequately protects groundwater?
- Septic System performs according to permit standards?
- Septic System has approved vertical separation from groundwater, shore land or protected area?
Notice of Non-Compliance (NON)
Any On-site Wastewater Treatment System (aka Septic System) that has been found to be Non-Compliant with Minnesota and local regulations you will be given a Notice of Non-Compliance (NON). This officially gives notice that your existing septic system is Not in Compliance with Minnesota regulations at the time of inspection. Your notice will give you a timeline to bring the system into compliance. It will have to Repaired, Replaced or Upgraded to meet current environmental safety codes.
If the Septic System on your prospective property is determined to be NON Compliant, the real estate transaction does not have to be dead. It is possible to set up an escrow account to handle the cost to Repair, Upgrade or Replace the existing septic system if approved by the county.
Wright County Septic Professional
Contact Custom Septic Inc. (CSI) if you are interested in buying or selling a Buffalo, MN property with a Septic Tank System. We are Licensed Septic Professionals that are qualified to handle Compliance Inspections in Wright County. As MPCA Certified Septic Professionals we also do Septic Repairs, Septic System Designs and Septic Installations. Let us put your mind at ease if you are looking to Buy a Home with an On-site Wastewater Treatment System that is not connected to the Municipal Sewer System. CSI can help you to get permits and a Point of Sale Certificate for property transfer.
Watch for Part 2 on Septic Designs, how they work and Do’s and Don’ts!
Contact Custom Septic, Inc. (CSI) for a Free Estimate at 763-218-4769
Serving the Twin Cities Metro Area and Northern Minnesota since 1996!
Now Accepting Major Credit Cards!
