Look Before You Buy!

When contemplating the purchase of a new home or property, it is vital to think about numerous aspects of the land and local regulations.  The list below can serve as a guideline to get you started.

Guide to this Booklet

Factors to Consider      
Who to Contact for More Information

Soils

What types of soil are on the property?
SWCD, NRCS
The Butler County Soil Survey lists the following attributes based on soil type:  wetness, shrink/swell, sand or gravel pockets, permeability, ponding, soil slope (%), depth to bedrock, flooding hazard                                       

Will back filling with coarser material around foundation be necessary to reduce shrink/swell hazard?
Your builder

Will topsoil be stockpiled during excavation for future use for lawns and final grading?
Your builder

Is there enough topsoil to establish a good lawn and is fertility balanced?
Your builder, OSUE

Are outlets available for footer drains, sump pump and/or gravity flow?
Your builder, BBZ 

Where are storm sewer easements located?
Your builder, BCE

Who has responsibility for maintenance of stormwater structures and retention/detention basins?
Your builder, BE

Sewage Systems

Are sanitary sewers in place?  If not, are they planned for the near future?
City, BHD, BES

Does lot meet Health Department requirements if on-site sewage system is needed?
City, BHD, BPD

Are maps available showing the location of the septic system and leach lines?
City, BHD

When was the on-site system last inspected?
City, BHD

Regulations, Legal Requirements, Local Assessments

What are existing zoning and building regulations?  What building and zoning permits are required?
City, BBZ, BPD

Is it possible to obtain necessary easements for utilities and drainage?
Attorney

Always determine location of underground utilities.  May have to contact each utility.
Ohio Utility Protection Service: 1800-362-2764

If property is in a recorded subdivision, are there restrictive covenants?
City, BE, County Recorder, Attorney

Does lot have a clear title?  Are mineral rights involved?
County Recorder, Attorney

What is the tax structure for real estate?  Millage?  Property taxes?  Special assessments>
City, County Auditor, Attorney

Have you checked on water and sewer assessments?
County Auditor, BES

Is roadway fronting property public or private?  If private, what are the responsibilities?
City, BE

Do you have any questions on water rights or drainage laws?
SWCD, OSUE, Attorney

Natural Features and Drainage Characteristics

Can acceptable natural features be preserved at reasonable costs?
SWCD, OSUE

Is property located in floodway or flood plain?
BE, SWCD, BPD

Have you checked on flood insurance?
BPD, Realtor, Mortgage

What is the prevailing wind direction?  Plan future windbreak planting.
SWCD, OSUE

If you are considering solar energy, how would that affect placement of your home?
SWCD, OSUE

If there is a pond or stream on the property: Are there signs of streambank erosion?
SWCD, NRCS

Is there heavy algae growth, odor, thick sediment on the stream bed, dead fish, or other signs of potential water quality problems?
OSUE

For ponds, check for dam stability and leaks.   Trees should not be growing on the dam.
SWCD, NRCS

Have you obtained a permit needed to install a drainage culvert on a public right-of-way?
BE

Is your property in an environmentally sensitive area such as a wetland or wellhead protection area?
SWCD, City

This publication was produced by the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District.  All District programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status or handicap.

Butler SWCD
1810 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio  45011
butlerswcd@butlercountyhio.org