Bidding on a house, need to know if it can be extended later

messinkiapina

I'm thinking of making an offer on a house, but I'd need to know if I could build a small extension later on if needed.

After doing a quick check online I see that the septic tank should be 10m from the house, and a further 3 from the boundary. Is that correct? It looks like to me like the tank is closer than 10m from the house at present (just by visual inspection), but I can't be sure.

I'd like to find somebody who could confirm that (A) the current septic tank location falls within regulations and (B) there would be room to build an extension later, even if it meant moving the septic tank.

The house was built ~10 years ago. The estate agent doesn't have a copy of the plans but said I could get them from my local county council. Would they release them to me since I'm not the owner though? Should I just go directly to an architect and have him investigate? How much that service typically cost?

Thanks

con1982

messinkiapina wrote: »

I'm thinking of making an offer on a house, but I'd need to know if I could build a small extension later on if needed.

After doing a quick check online I see that the septic tank should be 10m from the house, and a further 3 from the boundary. Is that correct? It looks like to me like the tank is closer than 10m from the house at present (just by visual inspection), but I can't be sure.

I'd like to find somebody who could confirm that (A) the current septic tank location falls within regulations and (B) there would be room to build an extension later, even if it meant moving the septic tank.

The house was built ~10 years ago. The estate agent doesn't have a copy of the plans but said I could get them from my local county council. Would they release them to me since I'm not the owner though? Should I just go directly to an architect and have him investigate? How much that service typically cost?

Thanks

There is a bit more to the design of a septic tank than separation distances. You may need to consider the location of the percolation area which is buried.

If the owner sought planning for a septic tank then the council could give you a copy of the application. It may be available to view online. The owner should provide you with this information directly. The fact that they want you to do the work suggest things may not be by the book.

Architects don't generally investigate treatment systems. Ask for a price from an engineer or site assessor, to inspect the as-built system.

The cost will depend on how detailed you want the report to be.

harry21

Three things.... and I'm no expert as its been a few years since I was involved in domestic plannings.

1. The septic tank location is less important than the percolation area. If house was within the last 10 years its probably a treatment plant. Look up the agrement certificate for minimum distances.

2. The plans submitted to the council may be of little use as whats in the ground could be completely different!

3. Each council varies, so naming the council might help and other who know more will give bettter advice.

OBrother

Depending on the Council and what standard they worked to, distances can vary, even if the distances are correct, the tank could be in the wrong place altogether. Would you not consider at least visiting the local planning office and looking at the planning file, you should get the file no. off the Estate Agent, ring in advance to make sure it is not archived, even if it is there is a reasonable cost to get it out and generally only takes about a week. Better still get a professional to survey the house and site and confirm all is ok.

messinkiapina

Thanks for the replies. The house is in Cork County.

I'll get an engineer to have a look if necessary, but I'm just wondering if there is a cheaper option. I assume an engineer would charge me ~€500 to do a survey? I don't mind paying that if I reach the sale agreed stage, but I don't even want to bid on the place until I know if the site would accommodate an extension at a future date, and would prefer if I could garner than information as cheaply as possible.