Pre-purchase inspection caught an undersized tank — saved us a bad deal

Sellers had pumped the tank a month before listing, so it 'looked' fine. The inspector uncovered both lids, measured the tank at 750 gallons (the original 1968 size) and pointed out the home had been expanded twice without any septic upgrade.

He didn't tell us to walk away — he told us what a replacement would cost and where the drainfield was likely to need to go. We negotiated a credit and went in eyes open.

Only reason it's four stars and not five: he was running behind and we ended up doing the last walkthrough in fading light. Findings were still solid.