Build Over Agreement - Fear

Craig19801

In 2018 we performed a large renovation of a house (We could not live at the house and had to rent) and extended to the rear. We appointed a project manager who sadly died a few months after the project ended. We have now come to sell the property and it appears he never responded to the local water companies enquiries regarding a build over agreement (this was left with him as part of the agreement).  The extension has been signed off by building regs. The sewer pipe is 15 cm and runs directly under the extension from a neighbours property. Our first attempt to get an indemnity has failed as they state the sewer owner are aware of the build. To re-route the sewer around the extension would involve about 25m of pipe. Thoughts on contacting the company and anyone any idea of costs for retrospective build over agreements or moving the sewer? 

Doozergirl

Get a CCTV survey of the drains and make the application.  A normal application is about £600 IIRC.  

Do you know how the sewer was built over?  If building control have signed it off then it's probably been done correctly.  They may have photos.  

Craig19801

Thanks for the advice. We’re very nervous wouldn’t get retrospective permission. Cost is not an issue as we just want sorting. As for building control, I wouldn’t be confident they took pictures of the pipes when doing their foundation checks. 

Irishpearce26

Craig19801 said:

Thanks for the advice. We’re very nervous wouldn’t get retrospective permission. Cost is not an issue as we just want sorting. As for building control, I wouldn’t be confident they took pictures of the pipes when doing their foundation checks. 

Hi @Craig19801 how did this pan out? In a similar situation. The house we are selling had a conservatory built in 2010 which I understand the build agreements didn't come into force until 2011 when utility companies adopted the pipes. However there is a covenant in the deeds stating that agreement needs to be sought. Our buyers solicitors have queried this asking if we have a build over agreement or indemnity insurance. I have checked an I think I can get build over indemnity for £130.

Davesnave

Irishpearce26 said:

Craig19801 said:

Thanks for the advice. We’re very nervous wouldn’t get retrospective permission. Cost is not an issue as we just want sorting. As for building control, I wouldn’t be confident they took pictures of the pipes when doing their foundation checks. 

I have checked an I think I can get build over indemnity for £130.

If you can, what are you waiting for? It's a tiny amount compared with the sale price of a house!