This is a question we get a lot: What does a Rhode Island Septic System Design cost? We believe in being as transparent as possible when it comes to prices, so that you know your project’s costs. Other service might be needed, but these are the three basic and necessary costs for Septic System Design in RI.
Few people realize that the septic system design is only one part of the total design cost. In this article, I’ll show you the three land surveying services that go into designing a septic system in Rhode Island. When possible, I’ll also let you know about any other costs, like application fees or hiring backhoes for Soil Evaluations on your property.
Also, please keep in mind that the design of a septic system, now called an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) in RI, formerly called an Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS), does not include installation of your new septic system, which is done by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) licensed septic system installers. And, contact me for New Shoreham (Block Island) and Prudence Island pricing, which is more than listed below.
Soil Evaluations
Typically, the first step in designing a septic system is to do Soil Evaluation testing on the property, at the location of your proposed New Construction Septic System.
The Soil Evaluation testing determines the Seasonal High Watertable and soil types. The Seasonal High Watertable and the soil categories determine the OWTS septic system design elevations and size. The Seasonal High Watertable also may limit the type of OWTS septic system design we can use.
In the past, a rudimentary form of this type of site testing sometimes was commonly (although inaccurately) called a “Perk Test” or Perc Test”. Back then, we did “Perc Test” mostly in the “Wet-Season” from about December to April. Now, however, Soil Evaluations are done throughout the year.
Soil Evaluations now cost $1295 (our Bronze Service), but there is also a $150 application fee (for new construction), and you’ll need to hire a backhoe operator to do the digging. A backhoe or excavator operator, fee and setup can add another $1800-$2000 to the total cost.
For those of you who want to simplify this step, and not worry about the application fee or the headaches of hiring a backhoe operator, we also offer Soil Evaluations Silver Service and Soil Evaluations Gold Service to make things easier for you, and worry free!
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Soil Evaluations1600.00 $ – 5000.00 $
New Construction Septic System Design
The next step is the actual OWTS New Construction Septic System Design (a repair design process is a very similar process). First, we conduct a topographic field survey to locate the site features, including land elevations and grades. Then, back at the office we use the Soil Evaluation and field survey results to design your New Construction Septic System Design.
The OWTS septic system design also takes into account the total number of proposed bedrooms to size the leach field. We prepare OWTS septic system design plans and specifications, and complete the RIDEM OWTS application for you. We also hand-deliver every OWTS septic system design application package to RIDEM.
Ordering a New Construction Septic System Design is fast and easy online (just make sure you include soil Evaluation testing, if needed) and can cost $8000 – $12000. There is also a minimum $150 RIDEM septic system application fee, but if you need an advanced septic system design, the application fee is $300.
Our Septic System design service includes all the fundamentals you’ll need to get state DEM approval of a conventional septic system OWTS that does not require special permitting like variances, wetlands or advanced systems.
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Septic System Design6500.00 $
Designer’s Supervision
When RIDEM approves the OWTS septic system design and you begin construction of the New Construction Septic System Design, the property owner must hire the designer to supervise the septic system construction, in addition to RIDEM site inspections, and prepare and submit to RIDEM the final Certificate of Construction documentation.
We charge $1,500 for Designer’s Supervision when you begin your OWTS septic system construction.
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Designers Supervision1800.00 $
While there isn’t a RIDEM application fee when submitting the final Certificate of Construction documentation, do keep in mind that it cost more if you move the OWTS septic system site.
Specifically, if during construction you move the OWTS septic system only a little, you’ll need an as-built field survey and As-built Plan, with starting cost of $750, or higher, along with a $50 RIDEM fee. However, if you move the OWTS septic system site a lot, construction could be stopped and you might need to submit OWTS septic system redesign plans. OWTS septic system redesign plans can cost anywhere from $1,200-$2,500 more, and there’s a $100 RIDEM Redesign fee.
Foster Survey Company, RI Land Surveyors » 401-647-9240 » Because Trust and Experience Matter!
I hope this article helps you better understand what a Rhode Island New Construction Septic System Design cost. The three steps detailed above, are:
Foster Survey Company provides Rhode Island land surveying and septic system Onsite Wasterwater Treatment System deigns for Bristol County, Kent County, Newport County, Providence County and Washington County for the following RI Cities and towns: Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Charlestown, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Foster, Glocester, Hopkinton,Jamestown, Johnston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Middletown, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Richmond, Scituate, Smithfield, South Kingstown, Tiverton, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Warwick, Westerly, Woonsocket.
If you have any questions about septic systems, surveying your land, or FEMA Elevation Certificates, please give me a call at 401-647-9240, Ask the Pro or use our contact us form.
About Foster Survey Company
Foster Survey Company is a Rhode Island Professional Land Surveying Company established in March of 1993. We are Registered Licensed RI Professional Land Surveyors serving all Rhode Island. Because Trust and Experience Matter, our core beliefs are to give superior professional land surveying services that will benefit you with: Value, Experience, and Quality!
One reply on “What Does a Rhode Island New Construction Septic System Design Cost?”
I live in the historic section of oaklawn in Cranston. my house has a cesspool that needs to be converted to a septic system. the BIG problem is that I do not have enough clearance for a septic system and my PSI is considered too high (59)for me to be hooked up to the city sewer line. My options seem to be very limited. I wonder if you would be interested in looking at my property to see if anything can be done. I would like to sell my house in three years and want to get this fixed so the sale will be smooth. thanks
Lois Mahoney