Should I get Septic and We’ll inspections?

[Connor Cushman]

Hi all,

I’m under contract on my first short-term rental cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Huge thanks to Avery Carl for introducing me to this market!

I’ve got a 1999 cabin that I’ll be doing quite a bit of work on to get it ready to rent. After the inspection I realized that the inspection doesn’t address Well or Septic.

I’m wondering if that’s because it’s rare that these things have issues, but as I approach my due diligence deadline I’m wondering if I should be paying for separate Well and Septic inspections to make sure there’s nothing significantly wrong with either system.

Is it possible that I could be risking having some massive issues with these two things if I don’t inspect them?

Does anyone have experience with either of these two systems and have advice to share?

[Tchaka Owen]

@Connor Cushman - I can't speak for a well inspection, however I do recommend you get a septic one. Most S. Florida homes were on sewer so it wasn't common to have run across septic. The few who did got inspections and often nothing more than perhaps emptying or treating it. Here's the kicker: last week I had a conversation with my ex (who is also an agent) and we're in C. Florida where septic is much more prevalent. Her client was ok not getting it inspected, she strongly encouraged him to do so. The inspection revealed that a tree's deep roots had caused all sorts of issues. The tank needs to be removed/replaced, piping redone and probably best that the tree be removed. Estimated cost is $20k-25k. The seller is an investor and she believes he didn't know about it (likely skipped a septic test as well). IMO, get a septic test. Good luck!