You're buying off-grid? Don't get scammed. Skip the "it's fine" bullshit. Inspect these three things hard. Water, soil, structures. That's it. If these are broken, you're broke.
Water: No Water = No Off-Grid
Don't trust the seller's "we've got water." Test it. Hard.
Check bore depth: If it's shallow (less than 50m), it'll dry up in drought. Ask for the bore log.
Test tank water: Get a lab test for E. coli, salinity, and heavy metals. $150-$300 via AWA Labs or SGS Australia. If it's green or smells, skip it.
Check dam reliability: Is it dry by March? Ask neighbours. If yes, you need a backup bore. Cost: $10k-$30k for a new bore.
Practical tip: Fill a 200L tank from the bore. If it takes 2+ hours to fill, it's useless. Walk away.
Soil: Your Food, Your Health, Your Money
Bad soil = no food, toxic garden, expensive fixes. Test it before you buy.
Check salinity: If the soil's white crusty, it's salted out. Test for sodium (over 20mmol/L = dead soil). Cost: $50-$150 via AgriFutures Australia or state agriculture departments (often free).
Test pH: Most veggies want 6.0-7.0. If it's below 5.5 or above 8.0, you're paying for lime or sulfur. Cost: $20-$50 from Soil Testing Australia.
Check for contamination: Ask if there's been mining or chemical use nearby. If yes, get a full soil test ($200+).
Practical tip: Dig a hole. If it's pure clay (stuck to your boots) or sand (runs through your fingers), you'll need to import topsoil. Cost: $50-$100/cubic metre from Soil Solutions Australia or local suppliers.
Structures: Don't Buy a Death Trap
That "charming" old shed? It might be termite soup. Inspect like your life depends on it (because it does).
Termite check: Hire a certified inspector ($500-$1500). Don't use a mate who "knows a bit." If it's infested, treatment costs $2k-$8k. Rentokil or Bunnings for DIY (but it's not enough for serious infestations).
Roof integrity: Check for rot, missing tiles, and leaks. A rotten roof = $10k+ to fix. If the roof's been patched 3 times, walk away.
Sheds and fences: Are they built to withstand bushfire? If they're timber and flammable, you're at risk. Cost to replace: $5k-$15k for a fire-rated shed.
Practical tip: Bring a hammer. Tap on floorboards and walls. Hollow sounds = rotten timber. If you hear "thunk," it's a problem. Don't ignore it.
When to Call a Professional
While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:
Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
Gas line installation or modification
Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property
Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.
It shows exactly which tree species and growth patterns signal a dependable bore or spring, letting you make a quick, no‑cost call on groundwater before spending on a formal test.— Jenny Mills
