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Fosse Septique

13K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  83496 
#1 ·
We are about to buy a house in Creuse, and have just received the compromis de vente documents, which contained a bit of a shock regarding the fosse septique (or lack thereof).

When we were negotiating the selling price for the house, we asked several times about the condition of the sewage system, being aware of the tough new laws that are now in place. We were repeatedly told that there were no issues with the system and that the necessary legal certificates were being arranged.

Now, on receiving the documents from our notaire, the diagnostic assessment from SPANC states that there is no fosse septique, but a 16m3 sump pit. We must install a proper fosse septique within one year.

My question is, and I know there are many caveats to price due to ground conditions, but does anyone have any ball-park ideas what a fosse septique system for a house with 11 bedrooms would cost.

My guesstimate is quite a lot of money because of the size of the house. The OH is seeing this as a game breaker, and as it has taken us over a year to find this house it is quite depressing.
 
#4 ·
Don't talk to me about fosses septiques!!!!

About 18 months ago, doing some land clearance, the lads drove the tractor through the roof of the existing tank. Do you think I can get anyone to even QUOTE to do the work ????? The only 2 guys that came to have a look just stood scratching their heads sucking in breath through severely gritted teeth and I'm scared of going to SPANC 'cos I think I'd have to sell the house to even make a down payment on what they'd require.

So, unlike many other properties in this valley and area who drain straight into the stream, all water from the house goes into the damaged fosse, open to the elements, and seeps from there as per before. Am sorely tempted just to pave over the lot and forget it - but don't tell anyone!

H
 
#5 ·
As Bev said - check out my thread on bureaucracy.

First off you will need the services of a soil tester and system designer to make sure the new system conforms. Then get at least three quotes - we did and they varied by thousands! Finally make sure ALL permissions are in place before anything is done.

Our system for a 5 bedroom house estimated at €9600 - for a system twice that size expect a lot more. There also micro station systems available which are much simpler to install but they are not universally approved in France - some areas are OK, here isn't :(

I chose a company run by an English guy (and I'm glad I did) as he was able to explain it all and he is handling the bureaucracy right now.

Bon chance
 
#6 ·
We are about to buy a house in Creuse, and have just received the compromis de vente documents, which contained a bit of a shock regarding the fosse septique (or lack thereof).
The other thing I would do is get a professional surveyor to check out the rest of the house. We had various surveys done but they all turned out to be worthless - for example, the energy audit said economy level 'C' and cost of fuel for a year was €1500. EDF gave us another audit when we realised we needed more insulation and they rated it at 'F' and we have spent over €3000 in fuel since October 2011.

It really is caveat emptor - the blog has lots more gory stories if you are interested

Cheers
 
#7 ·
Quotes

Hello,
I wondered if anyone can help us about a quote we have received to install a new septic system. Having done a little research my understanding was that for a dwelling housing potentially up to 8 people the cost of a septic system would be between 7-10K euros. We've had our first quote back and it has come in at over 16K euros. Any advice welcome, thanks.
 
#8 ·
Hello,
I wondered if anyone can help us about a quote we have received to install a new septic system. Having done a little research my understanding was that for a dwelling housing potentially up to 8 people the cost of a septic system would be between 7-10K euros. We've had our first quote back and it has come in at over 16K euros. Any advice welcome, thanks.
It depends what the quote covers and how accessible the area you want to install it in is. For example here, yes, the actual installation would be - as you say - 7-10K, but there would be a load of civil works involved as well and possibly the hire of a crane to drop the tank into place (if concrete), otherwise a plastic tank could be manhandled into place but that requires more manhands.

However, all is possibly not as grim as it may sound because you can probably get a portion of the cost, if it's all done by a registered company, back in tax credit, and you should benefit from a reduced TVA rate as well. If you don't have a revenue where you pay tax, you still get it back in the form of a cheque. You might also be eligible for subsidies either from your commune or from the EU - check at your Mairie.

Hils
 
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