Hi everyone -

I'm 33, and own my own home in Meriwether County, GA, and have found what I believe to be a very good deal on a little over 10 acres in the same county.

I do have a few things I want to find out about before I sign a contract on the land though if possible, and wanted to get some opinions on them.

1) The land has a stream running through the front of the property, which would be the side the property would be accessed from if built on. If I later build a home on the property, can this be crossed using a large galvinized pipe, or do I have to build a bridge, or what? Are there any environmental laws, either State or Federal, that I have to consider when looking at this? Any idea on what the cost of doing a bridge over the stream would cost? Width of the stream would be about 20-30 feet, bank to bank.

2) The current owners state that they do not know anything about if any part of the land lies in a flood plane. I believe that obviously some part of it does, but want to find out how much of the land is actually buildable. I know Topo Maps are available from the county, but I think they only show a 20' slope, which isn't very accurate. I want to know how much of the land will be useable before I buy it.

3) I believe the last survey on the property was done in 1992. Is there an easy way to locate the pins last set using a metal detector or something, without having to have a whole new survey done?

4) Any other pitfalls I should be aware of prior to putting a contract on this land?

Thanks for any advice or information!

- Jack

You need to consult the local planning department, a property inspector and maybe even flood plain maps because of the potential for flooding on the property. You are far from being ready to purchase.