Due Dilligence

This is where I am keeping a list of things I need to research as part of due diligence. With our real estate agent, we placed in the offer a contingency for 30 days of exploration to determine whether we will be able to build on this lot. During this time we will need to get soil work done, ensure we will be able to get water from a well on the property and that all the permits can be obtained.

Today I found out that a special permit is required to build on this lot because it is a hilltop lot. I also learned that the lot is not in the city limits yet, and so is covered by the county building inspection requirements. Here is the list:

1. Soils - Can the dirt within the hill hold a house
2. Septic/sewer - How big will the leech fields need to be
3. Power - My lot has power
4. Cable/internet options
5. Building Permits - Will need the house plans to be able to do this. For us this will come much later.
6. Special Permits - Mine requires a building permit plus a a "Hillside Development Application."
7. Water - For my property, I will need to contact the department of water resources. See blog article about it.
1. How much will the well cost?
8. Engineering - This includes the soils analysis, which is required for the "Hillside Development Application."
9. Flood Insurance - My lot up on the hill is above any risk of flood.

I got a lot of this information by calling my county building department. You may have to call your city if your property is within the city limits.