Check well and septic system before buying cottage

Q: I’m looking to purchase a cottage this year. Are there any special precautions I should take?

A: For many, a home or cottage in the country offers a respite from the traffic jams and noise of the city.

If you’re looking to purchase a rural property, it’s important to remember that getting away from the city probably means getting away from municipal water and sewer systems. A home’s well and septic system are essential to your health and wellbeing, so it’s important to make sure they’re working properly before you purchase a property.

When buying a property with a well, make your offer conditional on tests of the water quality and quantity. Because septic tanks can’t be tested easily, insist on documentation before placing an offer that shows when the tank was installed, and that it was installed according to the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment. If the seller doesn’t have the records, they should be available at the local health unit. You should also ask to see the service records for the septic system.

When it comes to choosing a real estate professional to help you with the purchase, ask about his/her knowledge and experience related to these types of properties. While all real estate professionals must complete formal training and abide by laws that protect the public, not all will have the same skill sets and experience. You want someone who can offer expertise on the unique challenge of buying and owning a rural home.

If you have a question for Joe, email askjoe@reco.on.ca . Joseph Richer is RECO’s registrar and is in charge of the administration and enforcement of all rules under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act. You can find more tips at reco.on.ca, follow on Twitter @RECOhelps or on YouTube at youtube.com/recohelps.

March 08, 2013: 12:01 AM

Joe Richer / Staff Reporter.