Build-Over Surveys

If you're planning to build over or near a drain, you need to prove the pipe is in good condition first. A build-over survey gives you the evidence building control and water companies ask for, before work starts.

ICE Drainage carries out CCTV build-over surveys for homeowners, developers, and contractors across the UK. We inspect the drain, check its condition and route, and produce the report you need to get your build signed off.

A build-over survey typically covers:

• A full CCTV survey of the drain run beneath or near the proposed build
• The pipe's exact route, depth, and condition
• Identification of joints, junctions, and any existing defects
• Confirmation of pipe material and diameter
• Photos and footage as supporting evidence
• A written report suitable for submission to building control or the water authority

The output is designed to be accepted by building control officers, water companies, and architects as part of your planning or building regulations application.

Key benefits include:

• Meets Building Regulations Part H4 requirements
• Speeds up building control and water company sign-off
• Flags problems with the drain before you build over them
• Reduces the risk of costly repairs after construction
• Gives your architect or contractor the detail they need to design around the pipe
• Protects you from disputes if drain issues appear later

If you skip this step and a problem turns up after the build, digging up a new extension or driveway to fix a drain is far more disruptive and expensive than checking first.

When do you need a build-over survey?

You'll usually need one if you're:

• Extending a property over or near an existing drain
• Building a new structure, driveway, or patio close to a public or private sewer
• Applying for planning permission or building regulations approval
• Converting or extending a commercial unit near underground drainage
• Responding to a request from building control or your local water company

If a drain runs under or close to where you plan to build, it's worth checking before you commit to a design.

Our build-over survey process

We keep the process straightforward so it doesn't hold up your build.

1) Initial enquiry and drainage plans

We ask about the location of the proposed build and check any existing drainage plans or records for the site.

2) CCTV survey

We send a camera through the relevant drain run to record its route, depth, condition, and any defects.

3) Analysis and reporting

We review the footage and produce a report covering the pipe's condition, position, and whether it's suitable to build over.

4) Recommendations

If the survey identifies a problem, such as a defect, incorrect depth, or poor condition, we tell you what needs to happen before building work can safely proceed.

5) Submission support

We provide the report in a format ready to submit to building control or your water company, and can answer follow-up questions if they come up.

Common use cases

Clients usually request a build-over survey for:

• Home extensions and loft or garage conversions near a drain
• New driveways, patios, or outbuildings over drainage runs
• Commercial developments near public sewers
• Sites where existing drainage plans are missing or out of date
• Projects where building control has specifically requested a survey
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Book a build-over survey with ICE Drainage

If you're planning to build over or near a drain, ICE Drainage can help you get the evidence you need.

Contact ICE Drainage to discuss your project. We'll confirm what's needed, carry out the survey, and provide a report ready for building control or your water company.