When searching for your new dream property, whether it’s a family home or a buy-to-let, there are countless elements to check. Some, such as the decor, cracks in the ceiling, or damp on the walls, are fairly straightforward to identify. But when it comes to the property’s drains, it’s a little trickier to know what’s lurking down there.
A home buyer’s drain survey can help shed some light on the situation, providing you with a clearer idea of your new property’s condition.
Here’s all you need to know about home buyer CCTV drain surveys.
What Is A Home Buyers Drain Survey?
A home buyer’s drain survey offers a full view of a prospective property’s drainage system. Carried out by drainage experts, like the team at Drain 365, it involves using a specially designed camera to explore the drainage system and relay the imagery to a monitor.
When you book Drain 365 to carry out your home buyer’s survey, we’ll follow these steps:
We’ll place a water-resistant CCTV camera attached to a flexible rod into the new property’s drainage system.
We’ll manoeuvre the camera throughout the drains to identify any blockages, cracks, or other issues.
As the camera moves through the drains, we’ll see the footage in real time on an external monitor.
We’ll provide a full written report of our findings.
What Does A Home Buyers Drain Survey Cover?
A home buyer’s drain survey offers detailed insights into a property’s drains and plumbing. It looks at the entire system and can identify:
• Blocked Drains
• Leaks
• Corrosion
• Cracks
• Tree roots
• Pest Control
• Broken pipe connections
• Collapsed drain repairs
It can also show future buyers the layout of the property’s drainage system, which can be incredibly helpful if you intend to extend or alter the building.
What Does A Home Buyers Drain Survey Report Include?
The report we provide with all home buyer drain surveys can be invaluable when purchasing a property.
We’ll include any photos and video footage captured during the survey so both you and any mortgage lenders or insurance companies can have a full overview. Other key parts of a drain survey report for home buyers include:
A map showing the layout of the property’s drains and sewers.
Details of the drain and pipe conditions.
Details of any damage or current issues spotted.
Details of any potential future damage.
Information on which drains and pipes would be your responsibility if you go ahead with the property purchase.
Recommendations for any repairs or additional drainage work we feel would be necessary or beneficial.
Take a look at our guide for more information on understanding the results of your CCTV drain survey.
What Are The Benefits Of A Home Buyers Drain Survey?
The biggest advantage of booking a home buyer’s drain survey is the full disclosure of the property’s underground system. You’ll be able to understand exactly what your new home’s drainage system looks like, so you can make informed decisions.
Potential House Price Negotiations
If you discover that there are significant issues with the property’s drains, such as tree root intrusion or cracks that need repairing, you may be able to negotiate with the seller. You may be able to lower your offer to account for any repairs you may need to spend money on after moving in.
Alternatively, the seller may be willing to sort out the repairs before proceeding with the sale, which could save you money in the long run.
Lower Insurance
On the other hand, if the drains are in excellent condition, there may be the potential to negotiate lower home insurance.
Damage Prevention
The report you receive will usually include advice on resolving or minimising any existing issues. This can help prevent more serious — and expensive — damage in the future. For example, spotting the early signs of tree roots during a survey means you can take action and sever the roots before they grow and cause cracks in the drainage system.
More Mortgage And Insurance Choices
Although not all mortgage lenders and insurance companies require a drain survey, some do. By opting for one, you open up greater options so you can get the best possible deal on your mortgage and insurance premiums.
Financial Savings
Although booking a CCTV drain surveys involves an additional upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment that leads to great long-term savings.
Make Informed Decisions With A Home Buyers Survey From Drain 365
Our drainage experts are on hand to help you get the most out of your property purchase. We offer home buyer drain surveys across London, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange your home buyer drain survey. We also offer emergency plumbing services, day and night!
FAQs
How Much Is A Home Buyers Drain Survey?
The cost of a home buyer drain survey varies depending on where you are in the country and how complex the drain access is. In general, you can expect to pay between £200 and £400.
Do You Need A Drain Survey To Get A Mortgage?
Drain surveys aren’t prerequisites for mortgages from most lenders. However, with a home buyer’s survey, you may find you have more choice of lenders and better deals.
How Long Does A Pre-purchase Drain Survey Take?
Most CCTV drain surveys take around 1-3 hours, but it depends on the size of the drainage system.