Buying a house, Building regs n manhole issue

Doozergirl

There’s not exactly a set number of checks, but up to roof level on a straightforward extesnion really only means that you’re missing a final inspection. The actual structure has been checked - the trench for the footings, how they’ve built over the drains, the concrete pour, the floor slab and insulation, walls, cavity ties and insulation and then the roof structure, possibly insulation in there too.

Not much left - electrics, kitchen extraction, smoke and heat alarms - important but not structural. Trying to think what else.

I’m not sure where checking the double sealed manhole would sit in that process. Possibly with the floor screed as it would be level with it. First and last time we did it was 2003. It’s not a thing anymore.

I think you’re the fourth person in a week that is missing final inspection. It seems to be something that people forget to do or leave and then forget.

maisie_cat

Doozergirl wrote: »

There’s not exactly a set number of checks, but up to roof level on a straightforward extesnion really only means that you’re missing a final inspection. The actual structure has been checked - the trench for the footings, how they’ve built over the drains, the concrete pour, the floor slab and insulation, walls, cavity ties and insulation and then the roof structure, possibly insulation in there too.

Not much left - electrics, kitchen extraction, smoke and heat alarms - important but not structural. Trying to think what else.

I’m not sure where checking the double sealed manhole would sit in that process. Possibly with the floor screed as it would be level with it. First and last time we did it was 2003. It’s not a thing anymore.

I think you’re the fourth person in a week that is missing final inspection. It seems to be something that people forget to do or leave and then forget.

In our case the building work was done but the new windows, bespoke by another company were delayed we then needed to get the electrics etc done and I got ill. I wasn't in a position to have the work finished for 4 years while I had many surgeries. Giving up work meant that we couldn't then afford for the work to be finished so we lived in a virtual building site for years quite happily. It is complete now done, except that we had to remove a ceiling in the original house, replace with fire board and now can't find a plasterer willing to do 10 square metres of skim. That pink ceiling is stopping me getting the building inspector in for a final inspection, just in case he says we need to pay £150 for that little bit of ceiling to be signed off as well!

AdrianC

The house was built 82 years ago. The kitchen isn't in an extension, but an original part of the house?

Hirdos

The kitchen was part of the extension work carried out.

As far as I know the manhole was where the old garage was which is now the kitchen area. Hence, it’s been built over.

The property had rear and side extension work done to it.

Thanks

AdrianC

Hirdos wrote: »

The kitchen was part of the extension work carried out.

When was that built?

Hirdos

The extension work was done in 2003.

Hirdos

Thanks for sharing the information on what up to the roof level inspection must have covered. The full survey we’ve done didn’t find any major structural issues.

As mentioned before, am not sure why the build over application was rejected. I don’t want to contact Thames Water with regards to this as it may affect the indemnity Insurance.

What would be the worst case scenario if there was a problem with the drain and the manhole overflows?

I know the indemnity should cover us with the financial loss but would Thames Water really knock the building down to gain access to it if we were on holiday and not contactable?

How much expense (approx) are we looking at if we were to redirect the sewage?

Cakeguts

Hirdos wrote: »

Thanks for sharing the information on what up to the roof level inspection must have covered. The full survey we’ve done didn’t find any major structural issues.

As mentioned before, am not sure why the build over application was rejected. I don’t want to contact Thames Water with regards to this as it may affect the indemnity Insurance.

What would be the worst case scenario if there was a problem with the drain and the manhole overflows?

I know the indemnity should cover us with the financial loss but would Thames Water really knock the building down to gain access to it if we were on holiday and not contactable?

How much expense (approx) are we looking at if we were to redirect the sewage?

I think your worst problem would be if they had to dig up the drain. It is was still in the garage they would did up the garage floor and the drive. It it is in your house they will have to dig up the kitchen floor.

Is the drain shared with anyone else?

What do you think about having people standing in your kitchen flushing a blocked drain out?

Is this house cheaper than a similar one with out the drain inside the kitchen problem? If it isn't it probably should be?

Hirdos

It is a shared public sewer. But, am not sure how many properties it is shared with.

I need to find out what information the drain survey would be able to provide?

It is never ideal to have this sort of work being carried out inside the house. But, we’ve been told the manhole is easily accessible by lifting a piece of wooden floorboard which has been cut to that shape and size for the access.

Cakeguts

Hirdos wrote: »

It is a shared public sewer. But, am not sure how many properties it is shared with.

I need to find out what information the drain survey would be able to provide?

It is never ideal to have this sort of work being carried out inside the house. But, we’ve been told the manhole is easily accessible by lifting a piece of wooden floorboard which has been cut to that shape and size for the access.

The point about it being a shared public sewer means that you don't have complete control about what goes down it. So if it gets blocked somewhere downstream from your kitchen the sewage will come up in your kitchen. The fact that it isn't blocked now doesn't mean that sometime in the future the other drain users might change and cause it to block. A drain company might also have to flush it out from the manhole in the kitchen. If it was only you using the drain you would have control about what goes down it but is doesn't sound as if you have. Think fatbergs and wet wipes. Do you want people trying to unblock the drain from the manhole in your kitchen?

The people who built the extension didn't get permission from the water company to build over the sewer so if it blocks do the water company have the right to dig up your kitchen floor to get to it?

Wouldn't it be better to find another house without this problem?