Taking the plunge...

[jo_bliss]

Ok. Hello.

I've been browsing this forum for months before joining up and hope I don't get flamed for asking these questions. I've searched through the postings looking for answers and would like some more clarification..

We've bought a farmhouse in Virtaslami (I know - not very populated) which we'll be using in the summer. Although we have a well, no running water, at some point - probably next year - we'd like to get a wet room set up. This wil probably involve groundwork, possibly a septic tank, stud walls going up etc. Can anybody recommend a company that could do the whole job/installation? Although I can do most things, I'm dumbing on the plumbing.

Second question: Cars. To buy or rent? The house comes with a garage and I know rental cars are pretty pricey in Finland. But at most we'd be over for 3 months in the summer. So is it better to buy a car and leave it over there? Yes we may have flat spots on the tires (unless we jack it up before we go) and a flat battery is more than possible, but we could overcome that.

Just wondered if anyone had any good advice to help in our dialemas.

[rinso]

at some point - probably next year - we'd like to get a wet room set up. This wil probably involve groundwork, possibly a septic tank,

Get some professional advice on your waste water system. There is a new EU directive that lays out the minimum requirements for those systems. The local council (kunta) has to approve your design. Houses (permanent use) can have stricter requirements than summer cottages. But that is up to the local interpretation.

Buying a second hand car is probably more cost effective.

[jo_bliss]

Thanks Rinso.

Professional advice from who(m) though? My Google-ing isn't bringing up much of help. I know there's been a change regarding waste water systems as I read about it on here I think - and saw some pictures from a posters own insertion of a septic tank.

[davin]

My parents have the same setup.
Luckily a relative looks after the car in their absence and changes the tyres in spring - get to know a nice neighbour?
Their old mokki didn't have a plumbed toilet (wooden shed bog!).made you visit quickly in winter I can tell you.
But it did have a shower (more powerful than our UK one !) the water source was from the lake. But you could use well water pumped to the shower.The waste water drained into a soak away underneath the cottage. This worked even in winter.
If you plan an inside toilet I guess it will get expensive, septic tank ?
Not sure about the new regulations, But I have heard that they are coming in.
Good luck and have a great summer...
Davin

[jo_bliss]

Kiitos Davin!

That's good input right there!

[Mattlill2000]

With the regulations nowadays, you will need a septic system for your grey water, eg. shower, dishwater etc., and a storage container for your toilet water and that storage container will be emptied when full. No ifs or buts, thats the way it is. Your first step is to locate a local company in the area that does this kind of work. You can go to your local hardware store, eg. Rautia to get some business cards and talk to them about the prices of what is needed. Have them look at your farm and see what is needed and what kind of problems may arise. For example, around here (Kerava) that had a country home for sale but the owners had horses there for years plus other animals and the well water was contaminated and was unfit for human consumption. So for the proud new owners of the country home, water had to be imported.
First step is to look at what kind of well you have. Does it have a sufficient supply of water? Right now you will have lots of water, but will you in August? What is the quality of the water like? Is it drinkable. Your local municipal government will give you advice on where to get you water tested.

[Mattlill2000]

But you could use well water pumped to the shower.The waste water drained into a soak away underneath the cottage.

That is illegal. If you bring water into your cottage via a pail, it can be thrown out the window. If water is pumped in, it must exit the cottage via a septic system. I don't think neighbours would take too kindly with someone contaminating the enviorment.

[jo_bliss]

Thanks for the pointers Matti. To be honest, we're not that bothered but I have a disabled mum who couldn't manage in the night to get out the house to 'go' and would need some sort of washing facility. For us, a hot kettle and a plastic bowl would do! I understand when we come over we have to go to the Hydro company to do a transfer.

I believe it was your septic tank installation pictures I was admiring on this site!

[Jukka Aho]

Professional advice from who(m) though? My Google-ing isn't bringing up much of help.

You might want to take a look at these two “Yellow Pages” type services:

• www.02.fi
• Keltaiset sivut

Note that while 02.fi also has an English language version of their website, it seems to be pretty limited in its content. It’s probably better to search on the Finnish side, using Finnish keywords.

Some Finnish keywords (you might also want to try these on Google):

• putkiasentaja, putkimies, putkiasennuksia, putkiliike, putkiasennusliike — plumber, plumbing services
• kirvesmies – carpenter, decorator
• kylpyhuone, suihkuhuone, suihkutila, märkätila – bathroom, shower room, wet room
• rakennusliike, rakennustyö, remontti, peruskorjaus, saneeraus – construction, building company, builders, remodeling, renovations
• laatoitus, laatoitustyö – tiling, tiling work

[jo_bliss]