Exchanged on new build - now the builder tells me my drains are not yet connected to main sewer yet.

uknick

It's a 300 home site being built by a large household name builder.  They broke the ground to start building nearly 2 years ago. But, only about a dozen houses have completed so far.

I've now had a letter from the builder's solicitors, through my conveyancer, asking me to sign a waiver allowing NHBC to sign off the build prior to completion without the connection being made.  The builder says the lack of connection is "temporary" but give no indication when it will be made if I complete as they wish.  At present the builder has connected the site drains to a central point on site and they've arranged for this to be emptied each day, which they are doing.

The delay in connection is being put down to the water company.  However, I've spoken to the water company and they tell me they've had no request from the builder to connect the site drains to the main sewer.

Anybody experienced this and if so, what did you do? 

silvercar

Friends had this and signed. You know that eventually the builders will want to stop daily emptying and will connect the sewer. It is probably cheaper for them to sign up at a later date than now. Once the numbers of occupied houses increases it will be more cost effective for them to connect up.

Section62

uknick said:

At present the builder has connected the site drains to a central point on site and they've arranged for this to be emptied each day, which they are doing.

On the plus side, you shouldn't be paying sewerage charges on your water bill until the connection has been made.