Planning on building an extension or converting the loft? Perhaps you’re inserting a damp proof course or digging new foundations? Whatever it may be, you’ll need to consider the party wall agreements and the effect on underground drainage systems close to your property first.
A party wall agreement is a contract that is devised between neighbours to eliminate and resolve disputes related to a party wall (shared wall) or construction work. The agreement should include details of the proposed work, how it will progress and who will be covering the costs; as well as the condition of the drainage system.
Importance Of Party Wall Drainage Surveys In London
A party wall drainage survey is an important part of the process when building works are expected to take place on adjacent properties. However, these surveys are frequently overlooked which can result in serious issues later on.
Take a look at the diagram below. If house B was having a rear and side return extension or basement extension, for example, the drainage systems at house A and C could be affected by the building work which could eventually lead to ground movement. This movement may impact the underground drainage system, which is why a build-over CCTV drain survey will be required at house B and houses A and C will both need a pre- and post-conditional drain survey (before and after the works) to certify that no damage has been caused due to the ground movement. And that’s where our London party wall surveyors can help.
Professional party wall surveys in London
Here at Certified Drain Surveys Ltd, we specialise in CCTV drain surveys in the capital and use XTI cameras to reveal factors that could potentially affect the building work that you have planned. We can inspect both your drainage system and your neighbours before the work commences and afterwards – to ensure that there are no disturbances to the systems. And, as standard, our party wall surveyors in London use WinCan reporting software so can provide a detailed report, including high-quality images, to show you what condition the drains are in.
The building control will ask to see the report from the survey to ensure that Part H has been properly adhered to, and the post-conditional survey will provide you, your neighbours and our party wall surveyors with the assurance that adjacent properties have remained unaffected by the work.
Book a party wall drainage survey today
If you’re based in London and could benefit from the expertise of a party wall surveyor from Certified Drain Surveys, please don’t hesitate to book a survey. We will arrange a convenient time to come out and conduct the survey at your property and, more importantly, we’ll make sure that your drains get the attention they deserve. After all, due diligence is key when building work is to be carried out.
For more information about our surveys or to find out how much a party wall surveyor costs, you’re welcome to contact us on 0800 955 7955 or email info@certified-drain-surveys.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a party wall drainage survey?
Firstly, to understand what a party wall drainage survey is, you need to know what a party wall is.
Simply put, a party wall is a wall that divides two adjoined buildings – terraced or semi-detached houses for example.
Usually, the boundary between the two ownerships is in the centre of this wall, but this isn’t always the case.
Because these two buildings are joined, any building work undertaken on one may unintentionally negatively affect the other.
This is where a party wall drainage survey comes into the picture.
To prevent any damage, a party wall drainage survey should be carried out before any building work takes place. This will make you, or your builders, aware of any issues that may affect your building project, or any issues that may be made worse by your project.
During a party wall drainage survey, an expert will inspect yours, and your neighbours, drainage system using specialist cameras. They’ll be able to identify any issues that already exist, as well as detect any factors that could pose a risk to your building project.
They’ll then provide you with a detailed report, outlining the condition of your party wall drains.
Why might I need a party wall drainage survey?
Whether or not you need a party wall drainage survey depends on your project.
Smaller projects don’t usually require a party wall drainage survey – replacing wall sockets or replastering your walls for example – as these tend to be more superficial changes.
But the survey may be especially beneficial when it comes to larger projects.
Maybe you’re changing the location of your bathroom or are swapping appliances about in your kitchen. Undertaking a party wall survey will ensure your project won’t affect your neighbour’s property or drainage system in anyway.
Some projects legally require a party wall drainage survey.
If you’re excavating within three metres of your party wall, for example, you’ll more than likely need a party wall drainage survey to ensure no damage will be done to either property.
If you’re unsure as to whether your project legally requires a drainage survey, get in touch with our experts in London for their advice.
How much does a party wall drainage survey in London cost?
It’s difficult to give you a quote for your drainage survey without understanding your individual requirements.
Usually, the price you can expect to pay is influenced by a number of factors.
One of these factors is accessibility.
To carry out the survey properly, we need access to yours and your neighbour’s drainage systems.
If accessing your pipework is straightforward, you can expect to pay a lower price. Unfortunately, if your drainage system is not very accessible, the price will be slightly higher as the job will require more expertise.
Larger, wider pipes will sometimes require a larger camera to ensure nothing is missed. This will then impact the price.
Here at Certified Drain Surveys, we’re transparent when it comes to our pricing and pride ourselves in having no hidden fees.
If you’re based in London and are interested in a party wall drainage survey, speak to our experts today. Call us on 0800 955 7955 or email us at info@london-drainage.co.uk.
Why should I choose Certified Drain Surveys?
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we’re experts when it comes to drainage surveys in London.
Our certified party wall drainage experts have unrivalled knowledge and unbeatable skills, meaning your project is in safe hands.
From building surveyors, architects and engineers to estate agents and the general public. We carry out work on behalf of a variety of clients.
Once we’ve carried out the survey, we will provide you with a detailed, yet easy to understand, report which outlines our findings.
We’re fully certified by the National Association of Drainage Contractors, so you can be assured we will carry out our survey to the highest of standards. No issue will be ignored – no matter how small.
Get in touch to discuss your drain surveying needs.
