Does A Property Survey Include Drains?

A property survey will give new home buyers an overall sense of what they are buying and a baseline to work with when it comes to estimating and valuing the property. In this way, it allows them to move ahead with the purchase and secure what they want without any hesitations or anxiety.

However, the property’s drainage system is frequently overlooked, partly because surveyors lack the equipment and knowledge to conduct a complete drain inspection to determine the state of the drainage, and partly because home buyers frequently overlook drainage-related risks.

When you are buying a new home, it is important to request a drain survey as part of the due diligence process. This will help to identify any underlying problems with the property’s piping system and could save you money in the long run. A drain survey involves an expert team assessing the condition of the drain system and underground pipe network.

They will look for common problems such as blocked drains, collapsed pipes, and tree roots. Prices for drain surveys start at around £250, but this will depend on the size and location of the property.

A chartered surveyor can also provide a verbal report on the condition of the drains and piping system, which can be very helpful in making sure you’re aware of any underlying problems. Requesting a drain survey as part of your due diligence when buying a new house can save money and avoid any nasty surprises down the line. If any problems are identified, you may also be able to use this to negotiate a property price.

This is why CCTV drainage assessments are typically recommended as a follow-up to conventional house surveys for new property purchasers, as they can help to discover a variety of potential issues.

So, here’s everything you need to know about home buyers’ drain surveys – from what they involve to why it might be a good idea to do one.

What is a Home Buyer’s drain survey?

A home buyer’s drain survey or pre-purchase survey is a report that details the plumbing, drainage and sewers of your property. The report should include the location, size and condition of all outside on-site pipes.

Drain surveys aren’t typically included in a conventional home buyer survey – the basic “property health check” that prospective purchasers perform before moving in. However, your mortgage provider may require you to complete one before they will provide you with a loan.

If you conduct one, it is normally done after your offer has been approved but before you sign anything. That way, you’ll have time to back out of the deal (or renegotiate your offer) if anything severe is discovered.

What can a home buyer drain survey provide?

A lot of people are surprised to learn that the majority of plumbing problems can be traced back to poorly installed and maintained drains. Home buyers need complete information about their home to make an informed real estate decision. A home buyer drain survey provides a comprehensive sampling of the plumbing in your home, exposing potential problems.

During a drain survey, the CCTV camera can discover the following:

• Leaks
• Blocked Drains
• Piping system collapses
• Damaged pipework
• Tree root ingress
• Backed up sewage

The Report Will Contain Data On:

Structural Condition And Information

The report on home buyers’ drainage surveys will contain data on the structural condition and information on the drainage structure including its geometry, effective length or diameter, shape, outlet properties and other performance characteristics.

Drain Mapping

Drain Mapping is the process of identifying and mapping existing drainage features such as pipes. This can be highly useful and cost-effective in the event of future damage or drain repair work. It can also help you sell the property because this map is unlikely to change.

Drainage System Ownership And Responsibility

Certain aspects of the drainage and sewage systems surrounding properties are not always clear on who is responsible for them. This is one of those things that many people overlook until they have a problem. This might cause misunderstanding, concerns with neighbours, and even legal issues if something goes wrong.

The drainage survey report will contain data on all aspects of the drainage, including ownership and responsibility. The main objective of this report is to maintain a record of the assessment and management of drainage systems in all properties.

Detailed Report

You will be given a comprehensive report that includes photos and video from the CCTV survey equipment. This information can then be utilised in the acquisition of a home or in any other legal circumstance.

Why are drain surveys so vital for home buyers?

Drainage is one of the most important features to consider in a new dwelling. It is essential to know the drainage system of your new home so that you can understand the types of repairs that are needed, and if any insurance claim is likely.

The report helps you understand the existing drainage system of the property. This can help you if the problems are already apparent, which will enable you to decide whether the house is worth fixing or whether it is better to walk away from it before any major damage occurs.

Can you bargain with the vendor based on the survey results?

If your home buyers’ drain survey report reveals faults that the seller did not disclose, you have every right to renegotiate the home price based on how much it will cost to fix these issues.

You might also stipulate that before you proceed with the purchase, you want the vendor to correct the flaws in their own insurance policy. This eliminates a lot of the fuss and puts the ball in the seller’s court.

How much does a drainage survey cost?

The cost of a drainage survey can vary depending on the size and complexity of your property, as well as the number of drainages that need to be inspected. Factors that will affect the costs include:

• The type of survey you need – A full drain survey will be more expensive than a basic one.
• The number of drains you have – More drains will mean a higher price.
• The complexity of your property – If your property is large or has a lot of features, it will be more expensive to survey.

When is a property inspection or drainage survey required?

A property inspection or drainage survey is typically required when:

• You are buying a new home and the seller does not have a recent survey of the property.
• You are planning to make improvements or additions to your home that could impact your property line or your neighbour’s property, such as adding a deck, pool, or shed.
• You are planning to subdivide your property.
• Your local municipality is requiring a survey as part of a zoning or development application.
• Finally, if you are experiencing drainage problems within your home’s drainage system, a survey may be necessary to determine the cause of the issue.

Will a drain survey be required to obtain a mortgage?

Although not all mortgage lenders will want a copy of a drain survey report as part of your application, some will want to know that your drainage system has been professionally examined before agreeing to your loan, as its general condition may affect the property’s worth. Consult your mortgage provider or conveyancing solicitor for more specific details on this.

What happens if you don’t invest in a home buyers’ drain survey?

If you’re fortunate, nothing will happen if you don’t do drainage surveys. Your drains will be in great operating condition, and you’ll be able to settle into your new house with ease.

However, if your drainage system has underlying issues and you haven’t done your homework before committing to the purchase, you could end up with a huge charge for unanticipated drain maintenance and repair costs.

A home buyers’ drain survey gives you peace of mind. If a building inspector identifies unsatisfactory drainage in your property, especially if there are also legal issues, you can identify and fix the problem. You might also be able to apply for a refund on the drain survey.

The worst, unreported, or undiscovered blocked drain may create floods, rising dampness, and even more significant structural issues inside and outside your home – and you’ll have to pay to repair this damage as well.

When purchasing a new home, investing in a home buyers’ drain survey should be considered one of the most important priorities. Buying a house is a costly and involved process, which is why it’s so vital that prospective buyers get a full and thorough appraisal of any potential risks and faults with the drainage system.

How do I set up a pre-purchase drain survey?

Contact Regency Drainage Brighton to learn more about the type of drain survey we can provide for your property – all we need to get started is the postcode of the property in question.

Our drainage survey cost will always be affordable and proportionate to the magnitude of the task.