Specialist drain surveys for homebuyers

2019-01-02T15:54:19Z

OMDI:

Buying a new house is an exciting time. It can be all too easy to get swept up in the dream of making a house a home and neglect some of the details that could create a nightmare later down the line. With so much to consider when making such a significant purchase, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure you have a full understanding of the property you are buying.

These days, most home buyers understand the importance of getting a building survey carried out before moving forward with a purchase— in fact, most mortgage offers are dependent on this step. No one wants to have to deal with structural problems with the walls, foundations or roof when they move into a house, so it’s crucial to rule these issues out. One thing that is less often thought about is the state of the drainage system on the property. The drainage system is vitally important to the condition and operation of the property. Furthermore, blocked drains are notoriously inconvenient, present significant health risks and could cost just as much to fix as structural or foundation problems. Dependent on the type of drainage system the property runs on, there may even be a legal obligation to bring a malfunctioning system up to code at significant cost to the homeowner.

What is your responsibility as a homeowner?

In order to answer this question it is important to distinguish between properties that are connected to a main drain and properties which have their own off mains drainage system, for example: a septic tank, cesspit or sewage treatment plant. If a property is connected to a main drain, the homeowner is responsible for the section of pipework within the property boundaries, beyond the property line is the responsibility of the water and sewage company. If a property has its own off mains drainage system, the homeowner alone responsible for its maintenance and upkeep and is obligated to fix any issues that arise. Problems with these types of drainage systems can present significant environmental and public health concerns. Consequently, there is a body of legislation that governs the proper procedure for maintenance. Failure to adhere to the laws pertaining to off mains drainage systems can result in significant fines and prosecution.

Doesn’t my building survey cover the drainage system?

The primary purpose of a building survey is to ensure the structural and foundational integrity of the house. Building surveyors will briefly examine what they can see, but do not go into any depth. Unfortunately, issues with the drainage system made not be immediately apparent and can take months to surface. For this reason, it is generally recommended that home buyers seek the guidance of a specialist. A thorough survey of the drain will give a complete assessment and report which willindicate not only the condition of the drainage system, but also which parts of the system are the responsibility of the homeowner.

--[[User:OMDI|OMDI]] 15:54, 02 Jan 2019 (BST)

[[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Property_law]] [[Category:Regulations]]

Specialist drain surveys for homebuyers

2019-01-02T15:53:49Z

OMDI: Created page with "Buying a new house is an exciting time. It can be all too easy to get swept up in the dream of making a house a home and neglect some of the details that could create a nightmare..."

Buying a new house is an exciting time. It can be all too easy to get swept up in the dream of making a house a home and neglect some of the details that could create a nightmare later down the line. With so much to consider when making such a significant purchase, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure you have a full understanding of the property you are buying.

These days, most home buyers understand the importance of getting a building survey carried out before moving forward with a purchase— in fact, most mortgage offers are dependent on this step. No one wants to have to deal with structural problems with the walls, foundations or roof when they move into a house, so it’s crucial to rule these issues out. One thing that is less often thought about is the state of the drainage system on the property. The drainage system is vitally important to the condition and operation of the property. Furthermore, blocked drains are notoriously inconvenient, present significant health risks and could cost just as much to fix as structural or foundation problems. Dependent on the type of drainage system the property runs on, there may even be a legal obligation to bring a malfunctioning system up to code at significant cost to the homeowner.

What is your responsibility as a homeowner?

In order to answer this question it is important to distinguish between properties that are connected to a main drain and properties which have their own off mains drainage system, for example: a septic tank, cesspit or sewage treatment plant. If a property is connected to a main drain, the homeowner is responsible for the section of pipework within the property boundaries, beyond the property line is the responsibility of the water and sewage company. If a property has its own off mains drainage system, the homeowner alone responsible for its maintenance and upkeep and is obligated to fix any issues that arise. Problems with these types of drainage systems can present significant environmental and public health concerns. Consequently, there is a body of legislation that governs the proper procedure for maintenance. Failure to adhere to the laws pertaining to off mains drainage systems can result in significant fines and prosecution.

Doesn’t my building survey cover the drainage system?

The primary purpose of a building survey is to ensure the structural and foundational integrity of the house. Building surveyors will briefly examine what they can see, but do not go into any depth. Unfortunately, issues with the drainage system made not be immediately apparent and can take months to surface. For this reason, it is generally recommended that home buyers seek the guidance of a specialist. A thorough survey of the drain will give a complete assessment and report which willindicate not only the condition of the drainage system, but also which parts of the system are the responsibility of the homeowner.

[[Category:Planning_permission]] [[Category:Property_law]] [[Category:Regulations]]

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Specialist drain surveys for homebuyers

Specialist drain surveys for homebuyers