Find and check a drainage contractor

A contractor can price more clearly when the intended outcome is clear. First identify who needs the report and whether you need only an inspection, retained footage, a written report, still images or a drainage layout.

Download or print our survey specification and send the same scope to each contractor. Do not publish property details in an open directory review, public forum or this website.

1. Confirm coverage. Ask whether the contractor serves the property location and whether travel or parking is extra.
2. Confirm the survey type. Use the exact purpose and deliverables from your brief, not only “CCTV survey”.
3. Ask who attends. Check relevant training and experience for the person carrying out and reporting the work.
4. Check insurance and terms. Ask for current evidence appropriate to the work, plus written cancellation and complaint terms.
5. Review an example. A redacted sample report can show whether footage, observations, locations and limitations are recorded in the way you need.
6. Get a written total. Check VAT, access assumptions, clearance, mapping, delivery and any other likely extras.

Trade-body membership or a directory listing may be relevant evidence, but it does not remove the need to check the individual contractor, attending operator, insurance, scope and written terms. Verify any logo or membership claim with the organisation that issued it.

Be cautious if a contractor will not state what is included, will not explain what happens when access is blocked, or treats immediate repair work as the only possible response before the agreed survey is completed. Seek a second view where the finding or proposed work could materially affect your purchase.

• Property location and agreed appointment conditions.
• Accessible chambers and drain runs included in scope.
• Named deliverables: report, footage, stills and mapping.
• Access, clearance and visibility assumptions.
• Excluded work and the approval process for extras.
• Total price and VAT basis.
• Expected delivery format and timescale.
• Cancellation, complaint and correction route.