Why buyers book one
- The home report or surveyor recommended a specialist drainage inspection.
- The property has mature trees close to the drain line.
- There is an extension, a new driveway or a conservatory built over the drainage.
- The property is older, with original clay pipework.
- There is evidence of damp, subsidence or ground movement.
- It is a buy to let and the landlord wants a condition baseline before completion.
What we inspect
We survey the private drainage serving the property: the runs from the building to the boundary, the inspection chambers, the gullies and, where relevant, the connection point. We record the whole inspection and note every defect with its distance and depth.
How long it takes and how quickly we can attend
The inspection itself normally takes one to two hours. We know purchases run to deadlines, so we prioritise pre purchase work and can often attend within a few days. Say on the phone that you have a date to work to and we will fit it around you.
What you get
- Full video footage of the survey.
- Still images of anything defective.
- A written report in plain English, not just coded observations.
- Location and depth of each defect.
- Costed repair options so you know the real figure before you negotiate.
Using the report in the purchase
A costed report is far stronger than a warning. If the survey finds root ingress and a displaced joint, you can go back with an actual repair figure rather than an estimate, and ask for a price reduction, a retention or for the work to be done before completion.
If the drains are sound, that is worth knowing too. You have removed one of the larger unknowns from the purchase for a modest fee.
If the survey finds a problem
We explain what it means for the property and what it would cost to put right, and we set out whether a no dig repair is possible or whether excavation is needed. We carry out the repairs ourselves, so if you complete and want the work done, there is no second contractor and no repeat survey.
Questions we get asked
Should the seller not pay for this?
In practice the buyer usually commissions it, because the buyer carries the risk. Sellers occasionally commission one in advance to head off problems, and that report can be shared.
Can you attend before my offer is accepted?
We need the owner's permission and access to the chambers, so it is normally arranged through the selling agent once an offer is in.
How much does a homebuyer drain survey cost?
It depends on the size of the property and the length of the run. Ring with the address and property type and we will give you a firm price. There is no call-out charge.