Frequently asked Questions

How long does an inspection take?
Times will vary based on the complexity of each individual system. Generally the inspection takes from 3-4 hours.

Does the homeowner need to be present for the inspection?
While it is not required for the homeowner to be present, we will need access inside the home.

Are there standards for septic inspectors?
Boulder County has a list of approved inspectors that have been certified by the National Association of Wastewater Transporters(NAWT.) Inspectors on this list have completed a comprehensive, nationally accredited course in the inspection of onsite wastewater systems. They have demonstrated their competence by passing a rigorous exam; Inspector’s need to re-certify every two years. (from Boulder County’s septic smart)

Why should the tank be pumped at the time of inspection?
The physical condition of the tank cannot be assessed below the waste level. Pumping the tank allows us to completely inspect the tank. Having the tank pumped during our inspection
allows us to evaluate parts of the system under normal operating conditions. It is a Boulder County requirement that the tank be pumped during the inspection.

How long does it take to generate the Property Transfer Certificate?
It will take 7-14 days to receive your Property transfer Certificate from Boulder County. The permits are good for 4 years, although if you are a buyer of a new home needing septic repairs they would need to be completed within the one year timeline required by the county.

When to inspect

It is prudent to inspect at or before the time of listing your property with a realtor. A timely inspection will provide you with peace of mind and give you one less thing to do during the regular selling process.

Waiting until you have a buyer for your home can potentially delay or prevent a scheduled closing. It can take 14 days to receive a Property Transfer Certificate.

Minor repairs necessitate scheduling with licensed installers and some require permits and this takes time.

A septic system that has been inspected and approved is appealing to the buyer whereas a system that has not yet been inspected and involves unknowns may provide the buyer with some leverage when it comes to negotiations on the price of the home.

What I offer

Please contact me at (303)817-8337. I would be happy to provide you with a general overview of my inspection process and Boulder County's permit process.

We may also discuss any exemptions for which you might qualify including certain types of change in ownership or transfers of property to effect foreclosure.

Property Transfer Regulation

Effective September 1, 2008 Boulder County began requiring that all existing septic systems be satisfactorily operating and approved by a licensed inspector at the time of purchase and sale. As a Boulder County approved NAWT certified inspector, upon completion of my inspection you will receive: a certificate of operation or detailed report with recommendations on how to update your system to obtain a certificate.

For more information on Boulder County's regulations call me at (303)817-8337 or refer to Boulder County's website: www.septicsmart.org