When is a soil test often required during an inspection?

• A. As required by the client's contract or NC code.
• B. Only for commercial properties.
• C. Only for properties built before 1950.
• D. It is never required.

Answer: (A)

Soil testing is performed when the scope of the inspection or regulatory rules call for it. In septic system work, the soil test checks how the ground will absorb and treat effluent, which helps determine system feasibility and proper design. In North Carolina, whether a soil test happens is defined by the client’s contract and by NC code. If either requires soil evaluation, the inspector includes the test as part of the inspection. So this isn’t a universal requirement for all properties, and it isn’t limited to commercial properties or tied to a specific age of the building. It also isn’t something that’s never required.