Cottage Inspection

Cottage properties have a distinct charm, ( on or near the water) but they also come with special risks. It is essential to include Cottage Inspection in your offer to purchase a cottage property. Cottages range from new construction, wood framed foundation to century log or stone construction. Expect everything from basements with dirt floors, crawl spaces to innovative energy systems. Many cottages have alternate heating and/or energy systems such as wood, pellet, wind, solar or photovoltaic. Most cottages properties have a septic system and well. (Ground-source heat pumps may require an additional well.)

Septic Inspection

It is better to inspect septic systems when the ground is soft from late spring until frost in fall. Make sure your septic system inspector is qualified by Ministry of Natural Resources through the local Conservation Authority as an installer and inspector. Having the septic tank pumped at the time of the septic inspection will aid in the complete review of the septic system and may reveal problems with the tank or upgrades that could be made. The inspector can then provide testing to the septic field, check the outflow filter, (if there is one) and review the septic tank.

If member(s) of your family are taking medication, ( for example high doses of antibiotics or chemotherapy) their discharge may harm or kill the useful microbes in the septic system, reducing it’s effectiveness. If you wish more detailed testing, you will need to go to a private laboratory. There are a few qualified well inspection companies who can also provide the information that will be required. Also, if the home has a water softener, you should ensure that there is an untreated supply for drinking water for testing, usually an exterior tap. Sometimes there is a bypass for the exterior water. Discharge from the water softener should not connect to the septic system as the salts may damage the primary concrete septic tank and diminish the ability of the microbes to break down the organic matter in the septic tank.

Well Inspection

At the minimum you should test well water for bacterial contamination and have the septic system checked by a qualified installation inspector. The local health unit offers this service and can provide testing bottles and instructions. There more extensive tests available which will give you an overall greater appreciation of the substances that are in your well. You may also want a flow test and you may also want to include a full spectrum analysis of the water which will give you a more complete break down of the components in the water.

If member(s) of your family are taking medication, their discharge may harm or kill the useful microbes in the septic system, reducing it’s effectiveness. If you wish more detailed testing, you will probably have to go to a private laboratory. Also, if the home has a water softener, you should ensure that there is an untreated supply for drinking water for testing, usually an exterior tap. Discharge from the water softener should not connect to the septic system as the salts may damage the primary concrete septic tank and diminish the ability of the microbes to break down the organic matter in the septic tank.