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LESSON 6 — HOW TO INSPECT UTILITIES DURING DUE DILIGENCE

During due diligence, buyers should strongly consider hiring qualified professionals to inspect major utility systems.

Buyers can visually inspect and learn a tremendous amount, but licensed professionals often identify problems that buyers cannot easily see.

We recommend buyers consider hiring:

✔ Licensed plumber

✔ Septic inspector

✔ Electrician

✔ General contractor

✔ Water-quality specialist (well systems)

✔ Civil engineer (when appropriate)

✔ Surveyor (if needed)

Professionals should inspect:

✔ water pressure

✔ water quality

✔ leaks

✔ line age and condition

✔ electrical load capacity

✔ transformers

✔ breaker condition

✔ grounding

✔ septic health

✔ tank condition

✔ drain fields

✔ drainage patterns

✔ flood history

✔ erosion concerns

✔ backup systems

✔ visible deferred maintenance

Utility Inspections Can Save Significant Money

Major utility problems often cannot be identified from:

❌ aerial photos

❌ websites

❌ seller descriptions

❌ driving through the property

Many of the largest expenses live underground or behind walls.

Professional inspections help buyers identify:

✔ future replacement costs

✔ safety concerns

✔ expansion limitations

✔ hidden risks

✔ maintenance needs

Walking The Park During Due Diligence

We teach buyers to physically walk the campground and follow the systems.

Suggested path:

Office
⬇
Follow utility routes
⬇
Walk individual sites
⬇
Inspect electrical pedestals
⬇
Inspect water risers
⬇
Inspect sewer drops
⬇
Inspect bathhouses
⬇
Inspect maintenance buildings
⬇
Inspect wells, pumps, and backup systems

Following the systems often tells the real story of the campground.

“Inspecting utilities is not guessing — hire the professionals and verify the facts.”