To a home-buyer accustomed to relying on water companies to handle waste, understanding the intricacies of off-mains drainage can be overwhelming. Meanwhile, vendors may feel frustrated when solicitors ask, "Where does the water go?" For the benefit of both parties, Avocet offers a comprehensive off-mains drainage survey that examines the property's existing drainage system.
Our team will ensure compliance with current Environment Agency and Binding Regulations and identify any necessary modifications to meet the required standards, providing peace of mind for all involved.
Avocet provides surveys for both home buyers and sellers to assess the operation, condition, and compliance of the off mains drainage system. Our survey will flag any potential issues that may fall foul of the 2020 regulations, and we can offer advice and costs to remedy any faults if requested. This is particularly important for homes with septic tanks, as many are now deemed non-compliant since January 2020.
By undertaking a survey, all parties involved in the property transaction are aware of the current state of the system and the costs of repair or replacement, preventing any costly delays during the sale of the property (This cost is refundable if we carry out any recommended work).
We thoroughly examine the current off-mains system, which involves inspecting the existing infrastructure and lifting all drainage covers. Our site survey identifies the drainage network, provides a detailed layout description, and evaluates its compliance with current regulations. Our team of specialists will also offer recommendations for any necessary improvements to bring your drainage system up to standard.
Please note that this is a specialised area of expertise and is not included in a basic home-buyer survey. Additionally, we recommend hiring a house surveyor to conduct the standard property survey for home buyers.
An Off Mains Drainage Survey is not a legal requirement. However, it is crucial to ensure compliance with new regulations post-purchase to avoid the risk of prosecution and fines for unpermitted discharge into a watercourse.