Party Wall Surveying
PJF Surveying are expert in party wall surveying services, supporting customers across Essex and the South East. We provide a full range of services including advice and guidance, serving notice to neighbours, preparing schedules of condition and party wall awards. We can act as one of the following in any of the following roles:
- Building owners surveyor
- Adjoining owners surveyor
- Agreed surveyor
We have put together some of the key information you need to know about the Party Wall Etc. Act and how it could affect you. Keep reading to find out more or contact us today to get free advice.
You can contact us via our contact form, email info@pjfsurveying.co.uk or call 01277 285645.
DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE PARTY WALL ACT?
The answer to this question depends on the construction work you are considering completing. This act covers three main types of work including the construction of new walls that sit on the line of junction (or boundary), or that sit astride it. It also covers changes to shared walls and any excavation work carried out near to surrounding properties.
If your construction project involves any of the above then it is vital that you inform all relevant parties and have the correct protections in place.
WHY DO I NEED A PARTY WALL SURVEYOR?
We are here to ensure that clients are aware of their rights and obligations under the Party Wall Etc Act 1996. We will make sure that any designs are checked prior to any notices being services and we will also produce comprehensive schedules and awards. This ensures that all of the required duties are discharged by the owners of the building, or adjoining owner depending on the service agreed with the client.
WHAT IS A PARTY WALL AWARD?
This is a legal document stating what work will be completed, how it will be done, when the work will happen and who is responsible for any costs involved. This is an important part of the process as it provides protection to both the building owner and adjoining owner of the property. Building owners can then proceed with their building project without the worry of what will happen should damage occur.
Fees
Service of Notices
Our Service of notices service costs from £100 (no VAT) per adjoining owner and includes the following features:
- A full review of the drawings to identify notifiable works and as a result, which notices must be served in line with the Party Wall Etc Act.
- A Land Registry title search of any adjoining properties so that the owners can be formally identified.
- Preparation of notices along with an invitation for any neighbours to contact our experts should they wish to ask questions connected to the notices.
- A stamped addressed envelope and acknowledgement form will be provided to all neighbours who are serviced notices.
- Collation of all relevant drawings so that a valid notice is served every time.
- Within 48 hours of receiving a Letter of Appointment and all required drawings and plans we will serve the required notices.
Schedule of Condition
Our Schedule of Conditions service costs from £400 (no VAT) per adjoining owner and include the following features:
- An inspection of any adjoining owners property, identifying where works will be carried out and subsequently where any potential risks of damage may be.
- A detailed report on the condition of the property prior to work starting, with a focus on recording any structural defects and cracking. This report is important as a form of defence should a claim be made by the adjoining owner. Without this Schedule of Condition, it is much more difficult to prove when damage occurred or how it came about.
- Once the schedule is completed, it will be issued to all relevant adjoining owners as well as the building owner.
Building Owners Surveyor and Agreed Surveyor Role
Our Building Owners Surveyor and Agreed Surveyor service costs from £800 (no VAT).
Once notice is served and your neighbour either does not reply or dissent’s to the works you enter a dispute, either deemed or actual. At this point we could be appointed as building owners surveyor. Your neighbour has the right to appoint their own surveyor, usually at your cost, or they can agreed to the use of a single, agreed surveyor. We would work with both owners or the adjoining owners surveyor to draft and serve a party wall award to enable the works to go ahead in accordance with the Party Wall Etc Act 1996 and with the protection it provides. This service would include:
- Creation of a schedule of condition for one adjoining owner.
- Working with the adjoining owners surveyor or as agreed surveyor to create the award.
- Serve the party wall award on all relevant parties.
Adjoining Owners Surveyor
Our adjoining owners surveyor service costs from £175 (no VAT) per hour.
If you have been serviced with a notice that one of your neighbours intends to conduct work then you have the right to appoint your own surveyor. In most situations, the cost of this is paid for by the party carrying out the work.
When we act as the adjoining owners surveyor, we will do the following:
- Review all notices that have been received including drawings.
- Liaising with the building owners surveyor in order to draft a party wall award.
- Provide advice and guidance to the adjoining owner throughout the process.
For more information and free initial advice please get in touch at info@pjfsurveying.co.uk or call 01277 285645.