If you are buying a property, you may not be too concerned about water issues and drainage; however, obtaining the right information about any issues can be crucial. Drainage issues can have a serious impact on not only the value of the property but also the title information and future costs for maintenance.
If you do not have all the information to hand, both you and the lender could be exposed to problems and increased risk.
How is a drainage survey conducted?
Although it may not be carried out in a standard building survey, it is well worth asking for a drainage survey to take place. This will mean an extra cost, but it could well save you money in the future if it reveals serious problems. During a drainage survey, a CCTV camera will be deployed to examine the drainage pipes to see whether any issues currently affect the property.
How to find information about drainage surveys
Wherever you are in the country, there are plenty of companies that can help you carry out a drainage survey; for example, if you are looking for CCTV drainage surveys Alcester, an online search will produce plenty of information and identify specialists in the area such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-alcester/.
Is a drainage survey really necessary?
You are strongly advised to include a drainage inspection on a survey if you are purchasing a property The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recommends this if you are buying a conventional home and it will appear in the level 2 (survey only) option offered by its members. There are also specialist firms that work in this area, and you may wish to seek out such a firm if you are having difficulties with your own property. Such a survey will reveal whether there is a simple blockage or a serious structural problem.
Other issues come into play if you are thinking of purchasing and extending a property, as the position and condition of the drainage system could impact any future building plans you have.