Septic System Inspection, Kern County California

[Steve Graves]

I'm looking at an AS-IS property being sold by an investor in, Kern County CA, that doesn't have the resources to do anything with it. I've never bought a property with a septic tank and my realtor is recommending a septic system inspection, which I totally agree with. 

My questions are:

1. How much does a normal septic inspection cost?

2. Should I ask for the seller to pay?

3. Should I ask to split the cost?

4. Do I just go ahead and pay for it?

[Colleen F.]

Here it is a couple hundred for the inspection. Who pays can sometimes be influenced by local laws. MA has a septic inspection to pass on transfer. California I don't know but my guess would be you have legislation your realtor should be familiar with. Inspect it so you know what you have. A new septic in RI is 10- 35 thousand depending on type and closeness to water. for an older home it is worth it. Septic costs are somewhat regional so get a local guy and he may be able to tell you during the inspection the price range for a failed septic in your area.