"Door County Real Estate" by: Kevin Nordahl, REALTOR®

Door County Sanitary Inspection Regulations

An out-of-state attorney called the other day asking for a list of home inspectors who inspect sanitary systems. This person was representing a buyer of a property that was for-sale-by-owner. Why in the world someone would hire out-of-state council to represent them in a transaction where the seller has decided to be an expert is beyond me (more on Buyer Agency next issue). Anyway, here’s the deal on the sanitary system.

First of all, home inspectors don’t conduct sanitary system inspections, licensed plumbers do. Second, Door County has strict policies in place for sanitary inspections and the results of such inspections. This is because of our thin layer of top soil and permeable bedrock ground conditions. If strict measures of inspection are not in place our groundwater is susceptible to severe contamination.

When a test is ordered in a brokered real estate transaction the plumber will check the entire system for leaks and anomalies that are inconsistent with current code. They will then make a list of repairs for the homeowner to decide to fix or not fix. If repairs are minor they typically get done before the plumber submits an inspection letter to the county Sanitarian. Upon confirming receipt of this letter to the homeowner the Sanitarian conducts a separate test to determine the integrity of the system and, most importantly, determine if the system is failing or not failing. If a system is failing the sanitarian will suggest a replacement system based upon a perk test which is performed separately.

According to Door County Ordinance 21-12 a failed system must be replaced within one year of notification that a system is failing. Prices for these systems range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the system required, so it is crucial to have safeguards in place contractually before anyone agrees to buy. Now, back to the for-sale-by-owner.

If proper safeguards are not in place contractually the homeowner may end up with no buyer and a huge sanitary replacement bill with the requirement of replacing a failing system. If you are using an out-of-state attorney be sure he/she knows our local statutes and can protect your interests in a transaction, or at least refer you to a local attorney for help.

Of course the easy thing to do is to hire a REALTOR® to sell your house. Each is professionally trained to complete legal documents and work with your local attorney regarding specific Door County matters such as your sanitary system. Isn’t peace of mind what home is all about?

Kevin Nordahl is a life-long resident of Door County, a REALTORŪ and a member of the Door County MLS. He is a Past President of the Door County Board of REALTORS® and a Senior Sales Consultant at Coldwell Banker Door County Horizons in Fish Creek. He may be reached online at knordahl@doorcountyrealestate.com or by phone at (920) 493-4004.

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