Build Over Agreements Explained
Is your project about to start on site? Have you considered if you need a Build Over Agreement? Generally your designer or contractor will discuss this with you long before you start on site. But if you need more information about build over agreements or whether you might need one, have a read of this news article.
What is a Build Over Agreement?
Sewers are often located within the boundaries of private properties and sometimes within the vicinity of buildings. Building works can affect these sewers so if you’re extending your house or building a conservatory or garage it can impact underground sewer pipes. Because of this a build over agreement may be required for your project. In most cases a B.O.A. is required for any excavation works within 3 metres of a public sewer or drain. This will likely mean that any work you intend to undertake that includes excavations or foundations, may require your water suppliers review and consent. This ensures that the sewer doesn’t get damaged and the water supplier can continue to access it for any future maintenance.
What needs to be included in a Build Over Agreement?
Although each application will require different information based on the location, lay of the land and the proposed works, generally build over agreements will require:
Completed application form
The required fee
Drawings illustrating the site location plan and the existing drainage layout
A drawing illustrating the proposed drainage layout
Drawings confirming the cross section of the proposed foundations and existing drain or sewer
When should you apply for a Build Over Agreement and how long does it take?
This can be done once you have your planning application approved and have the structural drawings finalised. You should not start any building work until you have your B.O.A. in place. The agreement is normally processed within three weeks. Once the agreement is issued you can start work immediately.
What are the benefits of a Build Over Agreement?
Without a build over agreement, your local council's building control department might not sign off your Building Regulations completion certificate. This may lead to bigger problems down the line. Without the completion certificate you may have issues selling your property in the future.
Starting works without a B.O.A. can also add significant delays and costs to your project. We have seen a case where the homeowner assumed the contractor had taken care of the build over agreement, while the contractor assumed the homeowner had. This confusion lead to a 4 week delay to the works while the appropriate site investigations were undertaken, plans were drawn up and a water engineer visited site. As you can imagine this not only added significant delay and cost to the homeowner, but also risked them losing their contractor. Not to mention the added stress of the mistake.
If in doubt, speak to Method Studio about your project or a quick call to your water company could save a significant amount of issues in the future!