John and Deb Fitt have Great Results Buying Land in Murphy NC with the Poltrock Team at REMAX

We found The Poltrock Team online while we were busy researching real estate. Once we started working with them, we discovered that John Poltrock is a great agent. He seemed to always go the extra mile to please us!  His knowledge of the area and ability to assist us in our transaction was impeccable!

Not only does John know how to speak with people in person, but he utilizes whatever technology you have to communicate. If you use email, so does he. Cell phone? He does too! His knowledge of Cherokee County is outstanding. Even more important, he seemed to be able to return calls at any time!

I also was able to utilize his list of available services in Murphy, NC on his Gotta Guy List. His web pages are really a great tool.

John – we give The Poltrock Team a 10 for great service! If you’re looking for a place to improve, we’ve love to get a helicopter flyover to see our property! Or maybe the RE/MAX Balloon!

John and Deb Fitt
Palmetto, Florida

How Much does a septic system cost in Murphy NC?

If you’re looking to buy or have already bought land in Murphy, NC, then a big question for you should be, “How much does it cost to install a septic system in Murphy NC?” Although this is a loaded question because the price can vary on many factors, here’s a good idea as to what you can expect.

Some factors that can change the cost of your septic:

  • Soil Type: this is a very detailed question, but think of it as is it rocky or just dirt?
  • Terrain Grade or Steepness: Flat land or is it really steep? Steep land can cost more to install a system on.
  • What type of system is your land permitted for by the Cherokee County Health Department?
  • Required Materials and System to be Used

Whenever you buy a parcel of real estate in Murphy NC, we highly recommend you buy it contingent to getting a septic permit. Once you have that permit, then you have authorization to install the septic system the County specifies. Here’s what you can expect from various system types.

  • Conventional Gravity Fed Septic System: Generally costs between $3,000 to $4,500. This system is usually the simplest, most cost effective method. It’s generally what most people think of when you have a septic installed. Regular maintenance is little and putting something like Rid-X down your commode once a month is all the regular maintenance you’ll need.

  • Conventional Septic System with a Pump

    : Generally it costs between $6,500 and $8,000. They work very well and in fact, it was the type of system we had on our very first home. It works the same as a conventional gravity system with only one main difference. The waste water needs to go uphill in order to get to the drain field. Since it doesn’t run uphill on it’s own, another septic tank and pump system is required to get it there. The additional cost is in the extra tank, pump system, piping, and extra labor to make the system work. Regular maintenance is the same as a conventional gravity system. The only thing that can go wrong with it is the pump ceases to work for various reasons. They have a mandatory alarm installed to alert you when this happens. Many pumps are warrantied for 3-5 years.

  • T&J Panel Septic System: Generally they cost $7,000 to $9,000. This system is relatively new and works like a gravity system in areas that have deep soil but few pockets of soil. Drain lines are not nearly as long. It works quite well and maintenance is similar to that of a conventional gravity system.
  • Direct Discharge: $18,000 or more depending on requirements. This system acts like a municipal system in that it treats the water and ultimately dumps it into a body of water. The water (creek, river, lake) must have good water volume. After the waste water is treated, it is practically clean enough to drink. Periodic inspections by a qualified inspector and sometimes the Cherokee County Health Department is required – commonly in 6 month to one year intervals to ensure they are working properly.
  • Drip Irrigation System: This is the most expensive system at an average cost of $20,000 to $24,000 to install and not just anyone can install them. In fact, as of this writing, there are only 5-6 systems running in Cherokee County, and they will become more common as time goes on. These systems are reserved for properties that have little soil suited for a septic. Soil pockets are usually not deep and drip systems are ideal for this situation. The lines lay on the soil or just below and “drip” waste water out on the drain area after it has been pretreated. Regular maintenance is required for these systems. Periodic inspections by a qualified inspector and sometimes the Cherokee County Health Department is required – commonly in 6 month to one year intervals to ensure they are working properly.

Now you have an idea of what to expect from various systems. It is important to bear in mind that every system is different and speaking to a qualified installer for the system you are looking at is the best idea. For a list of recommended contractors in Murphy NC, check out our Gotta Guy List. Who knew there could be so much involved in flushing a toilet!?

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – The Poltrock Team – Murphy NC Real Estate – REMAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free today at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Remodeling Your Home in Murphy, NC

Remodeling a home is a huge aspect of real estate. When you buy a new home, you may want to change something that doesn’t fit you or your lifestyle. Perhaps you’ve lived in your home for years and your needs and/or wants have changed. No matter what the case, remodeling your house can the perfect solution.

If you’re doing small repairs, some things you can do yourself. For those that you don’t know how to or want to do, please feel free to use our Gotta Guy Recommended Contractor list. This way, you can find the right guy for the job. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, email us and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

If you’re doing a massive repair job and want to higher or a contractor, here are some good tips for you.

  1. Get three or more written estimates from good, solid contractors.
  2. Get references and actually call to check on the work they did. If you get time, stop in and see it for yourself.
  3. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for any complaints. Ask around – Murphy is a small town! If folks were treated bad by someone, they’ll let you know.
  4. Be sure the contract says what exactly is to be done for the job and how changes will done.
  5. Make as small of a down payment as you can in the even the contractor fails to complete the job. “Milestone” payments may also work well so long as they are not too large. You want to keep the contractor’s interests the same as yours.
  6. Be sure the contractor pulls all the correct permits, is licenses, and has insurance.
  7. Have the timeline in the contract that states when work will be completed and what recourse you have if it’s not finished on time.
  8. Find out if the contractor’s workers will do the job or if subcontractors will be hired to do certain parts.
  9. Have an agreement for the contractor to indemnify you if the work doesn’t meet building codes and/or other regulations.
  10. Have in the agreement for the contractor to be responsible for cleaning up the site and be responsible for any damage done.
  11. Have a guarantee that the materials used fit the specifications you set.
  12. Do not make final payment till the job is fully completed and you are satisfied.

Remember that the contract is an agreement between you and the contractor and it will be a give and take until you both are satisfied. If you made sure you got the right person for the job from the beginning, you’ll be able to enjoy your new renovation for years to come.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com -The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX Mountain Properties in the Mountains of Murphy, NC

The Importance of a Home Inspection in Murphy NC Real Estate

When you’re getting a home inspection on a home you’re buying in Murphy, NC, it simply makes “good sense.” In fact, I commonly equate it to buying a Carfax Report when you’re purchasing a car – you hope you’re throwing your money away, but if there’s something that pops up, you’ll be glad you did it.

Home inspectors commonly go through a home and check a variety of items. A few of the items they check on while going through your future home can be: appliances, electrical outlets, light fixtures, heating and air conditioning systems, possibly the water, radon, commodes, water heater, and much more.

Base cost for most home inspections is $350 and can go up from there based on the size of the home and a few a la carte tests that can be done. Once the inspection is completed, you get a thick report with many pictures showing issues, concerns, and maintenance items. This report allows you to request repairs, if needed, on the home you’re buying.

One important thing for real estate buyers and sellers to remember is that home inspectors almost always find something that needs repair. In fact, if you think about it, if someone paid you $350 to check out a house, you would feel a bit obligated to find something. If there’s small nit-picky items on the inspection, in many cases you don’t need to worry about it. The key is you’re looking for major issues of concern that need to be repaired.

Need a home inspector? Go to our Murphy NC “Gotta Guy” List for Recommended Contractors today! You can find several choices on folks who do good work. The next time you’re buying a home, be certain to get a home inspection – even if your house is brand-spankin’ new. Sometimes, those check out worse than resales because sub contractors forgot to do something, something was overlooked, or a shortcut was taken.

Enjoy your new home!

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM with RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496