Seeking Advice from Plumbers and Septic Pros: How to Approach Initial Consultations for ADU/Garage Build
Hi everyone! I’m planning to build a detached 3-car garage with a 900-sf ADU above it on my 2.4-acre property in Oregon. The ADU will have standard utilities (kitchen, bathroom), so I know I’ll need to extend the water supply and potentially address septic system upgrades or expansions. I want to make sure I approach this correctly when reaching out to plumbing and septic professionals for an initial consultation.
Here’s what I’d like guidance on:
- Initial Consultation Process: When contacting a plumber or septic pro, what’s the typical process for evaluating water line extensions and septic feasibility? Should I expect a flat fee for the site visit, and what’s a common range for this type of assessment?
- Deliverables: After the consultation, what should I expect in terms of feedback? Is it common to receive a detailed assessment of potential upgrades, rough cost estimates, or just verbal guidance?
- What Information Should I Provide: Before scheduling a site visit, are there specific details I should be prepared to share, like the location of the current water supply line, septic system capacity, or existing plumbing infrastructure?
- Ballpark Cost Ranges: I know estimates vary, but any general guidance on typical costs for:
- Extending water supply lines (trenching ~50-100 feet).Potential septic system upgrades or expansions (adding capacity to handle ADU loads).
I’d appreciate any advice on how to structure the initial call and set the right expectations. Thanks in advance for your help!