Building An Extension? Here’s a Guide to Your Build Over Agreement
For over 20 years, Drainflow has been the trusted partner for homeowners navigating Build Over Agreements with CCTV surveys in Beds, Bucks, and Herts. We specialise in providing the precise pre-and post-condition CCTV surveys. Our experience means we know exactly what local water authorities are looking for, helping you streamline the application and build with absolute confidence.
If the extension or outbuilding you’re developing is planned over or near a public sewer, a Build Over Agreement (BOA) from your local water authority is mandatory. This is to safeguard against your construction damaging the shared drainage system.
The most effective way to give the authorities the confidence to approve your plans is with clear and indisputable evidence—the kind that only a detailed, pre-build CCTV drain survey can provide.
What is a Build Over Agreement?
A Build Over Agreement is the official green light from your local water company, giving you permission to build over or near their sewer pipes. It’s a formal agreement that acknowledges that your new extension won’t prevent them from accessing their pipes for future repairs or maintenance, nor will your foundations cause any damage.
Without this agreement, you could face serious issues further down the line. The water company has the right to demand you remove any structure blocking their access, at your own expense. Getting the BOA sorted beforehand gives you absolute certainty that your build complies with the law, so you can proceed without fear of reprisals.
The process of getting a BOA involves you submitting your building plans for review. The water company needs to be confident that their assets are absolutely safe. This is where providing clear, professional evidence makes all the difference in obtaining a speedy and positive decision.
The Fastest Route to Your Build Over Agreement Approval
When you submit your Build Over Agreement application, the water company has one main concern – is your project going to damage their sewer network? A CCTV drain survey answers that question for them loud and clear, by offering undeniable proof. It’s the most effective tool for moving your application from “pending” pile “approved.”
1. Give the Water Company Exactly What They Need
Before they grant permission, water companies need a detailed ‘pre-condition’ report showing the current state of the pipes. Our high-definition camera captures a complete picture of the pipework, checking for existing cracks, blockages, or defects. Submitting this professional report (complete with 360o HD photographic evidence) with your plans gives them the evidence they need to make their decision quickly.
2. Eliminate Guesswork and Delays
Architectural plans don’t always show the exact location, depth, or type of an existing sewer pipe. Our survey provides a precise map of the underground drainage, allowing you and your builder to design foundations with accuracy. This prevents your plans from being rejected due to incomplete information and avoids costly on-site adjustments.
3. Get a Final, Hassle-Free Sign-Off
Once your build is complete, a ‘post-condition’ survey is carried out. By comparing this new footage to the original report, we can demonstrate that your work has caused no damage. This final piece of evidence is sent to the water company, allowing them to sign off on the agreement once and for all.
Understanding the CCTV Survey Process for Your Build
A CCTV drain survey is a specialist technical service, and we want our customers to have a clear understanding of its role in their BOA application. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions we hear most regularly from property owners across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire about the CCTV survey process.
There’s no digging or excavation involved. Our engineer will access the sewer via a manhole and guide an HD, remote-controlled camera down the relevant pipe. We can see everything on a monitor in our van, allowing us to record the entire journey and assess the pipe’s condition in real time without any disruption to your property.
For a standard residential property, the survey is usually done in just a couple of hours. We gather all the necessary footage so that it doesn’t hold up your building schedule. We aim to provide a fast turnaround, getting the report to you quickly so you can submit your application.
You’ll get an evidence package to submit to the water authority. This includes a full video recording of the survey on a USB stick or via a digital link, along with a detailed written report. The report highlights the pipe’s condition, material, and flow, and notes any defects, all in the format that water companies require.
While many companies offer CCTV surveys, it’s best to use a specialist who understands the detailed requirements for a Build Over Agreement. We provide reports that are formatted correctly for local water authorities and know exactly what their engineers are looking for. This expertise stops your application from being rejected on a technicality.
Ready to Get Your Build Moving?
Navigating a Build Over Agreement can sound like a major hurdle, but it doesn’t have to be a complex process. As we’ve shown, a professional CCTV drain survey is the simplest and quickest way to provide the local water authority with the clear evidence they need. It removes doubt, prevents delays, and allows you to continue with your build.
Ready to book your survey or need some friendly advice? Give our team a call today to get your project on track. Call Drainflow on 01525 718500.