Page 20 - What You Need to Know to Find the Right Builder

the number of bedrooms—theoretically the number of occupants—

and whether a garbage disposal will be installed.
2. Transmission. In many cases the septic field is located so that gravity
will drain the waste into the field. If this is not the case, a septic
pump will be necessary, and this will obviously add some expense, so
it’s good to know this upfront. If a pump is required, ensure that it
includes an alarm and is properly electrified to function even during
power outages.
3. Location. Your septic system should be located at least 100 feet away

from your well; more distance may be required in some areas, but
under certain conditions, and with concessions made, it may be less.

• Pricing and proposal. This is the point when the builder would work up a
materials list, contact and meet with subcontractors to get their pricing,
and tally everything together to be presented in a firm proposal price. Since

material prices, labor costs, insurance costs, etc. change all the time, the
final proposal amount may differ from the original estimated amount. If the
proposal comes in higher than expected, it’s very common for the client
and the builder to sit down to revise a preliminary plan and discuss options
to help fit into budget. This process can be repeated as many times as it
takes to come up with a design and price that are acceptable to the client.

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