Considering a home extension can be an exciting time – planning what you will do with the extra space, and how to decorate it once construction is complete. There are also legalities to consider, and the homeowner undertaking works is responsible for meeting all building regulations.
To keep your enthusiasm alive and avoid disappointment or costly mistakes, it’s important to understand the legalities that surround building extensions in the UK, particularly regarding building over or near drains.
As a homeowner planning an extension, if that extension is on or within three metres of a sewer, you’ll need permission to build over a drain. But how do you know if your extension will be over a drain?
It’s possible you may have property or council plans that map the layout of drains on and near your property. That’s a great starting point. To be completely sure what permissions you require for your extension, it’s wise to consider a drain survey for your extension before you start work.
A drain survey by trusted professionals like Mega Rod will give you a current, accurate map of existing drains before you start building. Mapping existing drains before you engage an architect to design your extension makes good sense.
It saves time, money and frustration down the line, as you already know the space you have to work with and the permissions you’ll need if your extension is near or over a drain.
A build-over agreement, as the name suggests, is an agreement between the local water authority – in the case of Bristol that’s Wessex Water – and the person undertaking the new works. Wessex Water expressly encourages people that ‘The position of private drains, private sewers and clean water service pipes that connect properties to our public networks are not normally shown on our records. However, their presence on site must be anticipated, and you are advised to carry out your own enquiries and investigations should you wish to locate them.’
Once you have your drain survey for your extension from a trusted professional and you know where the existing drains are in relation to your building works, you’ll need to apply for a build-over agreement. Your CCTV drainage survey will provide all the information you need, including drain locations and depth. This is vital for planning foundations and construction that comply with regulations and prevent damage or collapse in the sewer network.
The property owner will be responsible for any expenses incurred through damage to drains during extension works. To avoid costly mistakes mid-build, or even the forced demolition of your extension due to lack of compliance, it’s prudent to arm yourself with a comprehensive drain survey from a trusted provider.
The cost of a CCTV drain survey is both an investment in your property and insurance against costly repairs. It enables your builders and architects to coordinate seamlessly with the regulating body from the get-go. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your local sewer and drain system, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.
Contact Mega Rod today to find out more about conducting a drain survey on your property and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your extension in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas will be safe, compliant and exactly what you’re looking for.
