Anyone know anything about French drains?

[BoBoo]

The survey on the house we are buying has recommended we install a French drain at the rear of the house. Does anyone know how much this would cost? We're in SE London and it's a mid terrace.

A French drain is a small gravel filled trench with a slotted pipe in the bottom. You might use it if the garden sloped down towards the house, to intercept the rainwater run-off and take it into the main drainage system. Maybe a couple of thousand pounds (warning this could be wildly out!) assuming there is a chamber ready to connect to? I suggest you ask the surveyor for an indication of costs. The materials won't cost much but you will need some blokes and maybe a mini digger if you can get access.