A standard homebuyer’s survey does not include the drains. If serious problems exist in the underground drainage, they are likely to be discovered by the homebuyer after they have exchanged contracts and be extremely costly to put right.
What a Homebuyer’s Survey Misses
A normal homebuyer’s survey is only able to look at the exterior of the drains and does not include a CCTV survey of the drains. As a result, serious defects in underground pipes such as cracks, root damage, collapsed sections of pipe and blocked gullies are often not picked up in a normal homebuyer’s survey. The pictures from a CCTV survey provide conclusive evidence of any defects in the drains at a property.
How Findings Can Affect the Purchase
However, serious problems with a property’s drains can cost thousands to put right. A CCTV survey can highlight problems and provide evidence of any defects for negotiation with the seller to reduce the purchase price or for them to carry out the repairs before completion. In the worst case scenario, you may decide that you no longer wish to purchase the property.
Check Who Owns the Drains
Also bear in mind that not all drains are the seller’s. In Coventry shared drains that service more than one property are usually adopted by Severn Trent and so are the responsibility of the water company to repair and maintain. Check the property information, property title plan and other information held at the Land Registry prior to exchange of contracts to confirm the boundaries and who is responsible for defects.
When to Book the Survey
The survey should be booked after the buyer’s offer has been accepted by the seller, but before exchange of contracts. In this way, any problems found can be sorted out by the buyer’s solicitor during the conveyancing process.
If you are looking for CCTV Drain Survey Coventry, see https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/coventry/.
Invest a little during the property buying process to save a fortune later on.
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