How Much Does a Septic System Cost?
One of the biggest questions on the mind of a homebuyer building on their lot is usually the cost of the septic system.
And the answer: It depends. If you're getting a home construction bid, make sure your septic system allowance will be sufficient for the unique requirements of your lot and floor plan.
Septic system costs vary widely, depending on soil conditions, size of system, type of system, county requirements, and more.
A typical Septic system in the Raleigh/Triangle area can be anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, with most falling in the middle range.
A special system can run many tens of thousands more - particularly if your lot is rated the dreaded "No Perk", which means the ground is truly not suitable for a septic and many special measures will have to be taken to support one.
However, having said that, an experienced home builder can look at your septic permit and plot map and give you at least a good idea of what the system is going to cost.
Here are some of the things the builder will look for:
1. How large is the septic field?
The length of pipe required will help determine total cost.
2. How far from the home is the septic field?
If more than 100 ft, a backflow preventer will have to be added.
3. What is the topography of the land? 
A flat, level lot will most likely have lower cost than a lot on a hill.
4. Is the septic field cleared or densely overgrown?
The septic field will need to be cleared of brush and of most trees in order for the pipes to be installed.
5. What depth of soil does your septic permit allow?
If the nitrification lines cannot be buried deep enough due to soil quality, enough approved soils will have to imported to cover the septic lines. Add the cost of the soil, plus transportation, and labor for spreading the soil above the septic system field.
6. Is the system gravity fed or pump fed?
A pump system will add to the cost.
7. What type of system has been approved or required?
Has the County approved a standard septic system, or have they required a special system like a panel block system?
8. Has a basement been requested?
In this area, most likely an additional pump system will be required, adding at least $3,000 to the building cost.
Septic system requirements can vary greatly, even on two adjacent lots.
But an experienced builder will be able to identify most issues and give a ballpark cost estimate based on seeing the approved septic permit and the plot map of your lot.
You'll probably want to bring a copy of a floor plan you're considering as well - a basement or a large number of bedrooms can also require changes in the system.
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You may also be interested in these Raleigh new home lot resources:
Virtual Tours - See This Week's Most Exceptional Homes
How to Find a Lot - Top 12 Questions to Ask
Build On Your Lot in the Raleigh, NC Area
Green Home Lots - What Makes a Lot Good for a Green Certified Home?
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