Understand the existing route before covering it over
If you are planning courtyard resurfacing or alterations near drainage, explain what will change and provide any available drawings. Knowing a cover exists does not establish every connected route or the condition of the run beyond it. Existing survey records can help define what still needs inspection.
A drainage investigation may inform the project, but it is not a structural design, ownership determination or approval to build over a sewer. Discuss the intended survey scope, access points and required findings before booking. Coordinate with the project designer or relevant authority where the work affects shared or public infrastructure; do not start alterations on an assumption that all drainage within the boundary is private.
For a Belgravia house or apartment, establish who owns and maintains the equipment before a repair becomes an alteration. A residence may have lease, estate or building requirements in addition to council controls. We ask about the actual installation rather than infer it from a period façade.
Share any estate or managing-agent contractor requirements and the authorised route through the building. Permission to enter a home is not necessarily permission to alter a shared service or an external feature; arrange those approvals separately where needed.
- Drawings of the proposed courtyard or extension work
- Available drainage plans or survey records
- Access permission and the project contact coordinating decisions
- One hour minimum charge.
- Before any extra work, we give you an estimated duration and expected labour cost to agree.
- We do not promise fixed turnaround times; visits are arranged with you directly.
- Call or bookRing 020 3858 0085 or book an engineer with your full address.
- Share building detailsConcierge, parking, lift access, key holders and where stopcocks or boilers sit.
- Agree before workEstimated duration and expected labour cost agreed before anything extra.
Good to know.
Does a drain survey provide permission for building work?
No. It provides findings within an agreed inspection scope. Design decisions, ownership questions and any required approvals must be handled with the appropriate professionals and authorities separately.
What does drains cost in Belgravia?
£150 + VAT per hour (£180 inc VAT), with a one hour minimum. Before any extra work we give an estimated duration and expected labour cost for you to agree.