When you’re getting ready to purchase a property, there seems to be countless checks that you need to square off. Roof, plumbing, electrical, damp and heating are just a few of the boxes you’ll be expected to tick.
While a pre-purchase drain survey isn’t currently a legal requirement, this often overlooked inspection could save you a lot of money and hassle. Read on to see why you need a pre-purchase drain survey.
Cost effective
A fault in your drainage system may be expensive to rectify after you’ve bought a property without noticing the issue.
Something relatively small like a build up of waste that can be cleared with a straightforward rod application isn’t too disruptive. But an issue like cracked pipework or damage caused by tree root incursion will be much more costly.
If such problems are brought to the attention of the seller before the sale goes through, then the cost of repairs can be reflected in the price.
And if any issues revealed are covered by the current owner’s home insurance policy, then repairs may even be sorted prior to purchase.
Building surveys
As mentioned, while you’re not required to have a pre-purchase drain survey carried out, a building surveyor may advise you to get one.
While their main focus will be on the structural integrity of the building, any instances of cracks in brick or stonework may raise concerns.
A surveyor could understandably worry about potential for comparable breakage or collapse in the drainage system, especially near building foundations.
Similarly, the proximity of large trees could prompt recommendations for a homebuyers’ drainage survey in case of root ingress.
Tree root damage to a septic tank could result in leakage that may potentially affect foundations as well.
Survey outcomes
Typical problems that a pre-purchase drainage survey could discover might include, among others:
- Cracked, broken or collapsed drains
- Tree root ingress
- Displaced joints
- Fractured gullies
Discovering these types of problems in time will prevent further costs and disruption down the line.
In addition, a survey could also help clarify which sections of the drainage system are the responsibility of the property owner or the utility company.
Do you need a pre-purchase drainage survey?
To add extra security and peace of mind to buying a new home, consider a homebuyers’ drainage survey.
It’s a straightforward way to avoid unnecessary costs and gain clarity on the status of a property before you buy.
To talk to someone about arranging a visit or to obtain a free, no-obligation quote, please get in touch.