Party Wall Surveyors in Blackheath
Have the reassurance of a Hackney based local party wall surveyor for on hand advice.
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We provide fixed fees with no hidden costs;
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Unlimited advice & support during the party wall award making process
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No high hourly rate if any issues arises ;
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Full party wall award service, fixed with no hidden charges from £599 all inclusive.
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Express service available
We cover East London:
EC1, EC2, E1, E2, E5, E8, E9, E10, E15, N1, N4, N5, and N16.
call to confirm a fixed price quote
East & North London based, we are generally never more than a 20 min cycle from your project.
We provide Party Wall Surveying services for both residential and commercial projects and properties throughout Blackheath
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Common types of works that affected by the Party Wall Act.
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Extensions
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Loft conversions
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Chimney removal
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Basements
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Works to boundary walls
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Any excavations within 3m of your neighbours property
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Any construction along boundary line
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Find out more about the Party Wall Act and process here.
In the picturesque town of Blackheath, nestled within the London Borough of Greenwich, construction and renovation projects are a common occurrence. However, when such projects involve shared walls, boundaries, or party structures, it is essential to understand and adhere to the Party Wall Act 1996. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the role, significance, qualifications, and duties of an Party Wall Surveyor in Blackheath. These professionals are instrumental in ensuring that construction work proceeds smoothly, mitigating disputes, and preserving the architectural and social fabric of this historic and vibrant community.
The Party Wall Act 1996
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Overview: The Party Wall Act 1996 is a UK legislation that governs building work affecting party walls, party structures, and property boundaries.
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Purpose: Its primary aim is to provide a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring that neighboring property owners are properly informed and compensated for any inconvenience or damage caused by construction work.
Applicability: The Act applies to a wide range of construction work, including excavations near neighboring properties, buildings on or near boundaries, and structural alterations.
Role and Significance of an Express Party Wall Surveyor:
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Definition: An Express Party Wall Surveyor is a qualified professional appointed to oversee compliance with the Party Wall Act, mediate between property owners, and ensure the protection of rights and responsibilities.
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Significance: Their role is pivotal in maintaining peaceful neighborly relations, preventing conflicts, and facilitating the progress of construction or renovation projects.
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Qualifications: Surveyors must be members of recognized professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
When to Appoint an Express Party Wall Surveyor:
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Notification: Property owners planning construction work must serve formal written notices to their affected neighbors, outlining the nature and scope of their intentions.
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Appointment: If the neighboring property owner dissents or fails to respond within the stipulated timeframe (usually 14 days), an Express Party Wall Surveyor may need to be appointed to oversee the process.
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Preparation: Surveyors should ideally be appointed well in advance of the construction start date to allow sufficient time for assessments, agreements, and Party Wall Awards.
Duties of an Express Party Wall Surveyor:
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Initial Assessment: Surveyors conduct an initial assessment to evaluate the impact of proposed work on neighboring properties, ensuring that it complies with the Party Wall Act.
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Party Wall Awards: They prepare Party Wall Awards (also known as Party Wall Agreements or Awards) that detail the terms and conditions under which the proposed work will proceed.
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Site Inspections: Surveyors regularly visit the construction site to monitor progress and ensure that work aligns with the agreed-upon terms.
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Dispute Resolution: Surveyors play a crucial role in mediating and resolving disputes that may arise during the construction process, protecting the interests of both property owners.
The Role of an Express Party Wall Surveyor in Blackheath:
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Local Expertise: Express Party Wall Surveyors in Blackheath possess a deep understanding of the area's unique architectural and property characteristics.
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Legal Compliance: They ensure that all construction work complies with local regulations, the Party Wall Act, and specific guidelines applicable in Blackheath, reducing the risk of legal complications.
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Community Relations: These professionals often play a vital role in maintaining harmonious relationships between neighbors, particularly important in the closely-knit and historic community of Blackheath.
The Appointment Process:
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Mutual Agreement: Ideally, property owners involved in construction work and their affected neighbors mutually agree to the appointment of a single surveyor.
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Multiple Surveyors: In cases of dissent, each party may appoint its own surveyor, and a third surveyor may be selected to resolve disputes.
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Costs: The property owners undertaking the construction work typically bear the costs associated with the surveyors' services.
In Blackheath, an Express Party Wall Surveyor is an indispensable figure in the construction landscape, ensuring that building and renovation projects proceed smoothly while safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved. Their expertise in the Party Wall Act, local knowledge, and mediation skills are vital in preserving the architectural heritage and neighborly bonds within this historic community.
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Party Wall Surveyor Nationwide
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The following fees are indicative for a small project [rear extension], as Building Owner Surveyor. All fees are subject to a formal fee quote.
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Preparation of Notices
£29*
The first step is to notify neighbours of the works and their rights under the Party Wall Act. This is a legal obligation and fulfilled by serving notices that allow the neighbour the option of either agreeing for the works to proceed without a full Party Wall Award, or to have an Award drawn up.
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In event it is agreed that no Party Wall Award is required, it can still be beneficial to produce a Schedule of Condition.
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The Party Wall Award
£450*
Having served the notices, where the neighbour, or both parties prefer to have a Party Wall Award drawn up, the Party Wall Act terms this a 'dispute'.
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In practice it doesn't necessarily mean a disagreement, just that both parties want to protect their property and rights by recording the nature of the works to avoid future disagreement, litigation and costs. This is done by creating a Party Wall Award.
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Acting as 'Agreed Surveyor'
Included within award price.
The Party Wall Act allows the neighbour to the works to have their own surveyor appointed and paid for by the building owner.
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This is where costs can rise significantly. On simple projects, if we can get agreement of the neighbour, we will act for both parties as Agreed Surveyor, saving substantial costs.
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Schedule of Condition
£220*
Even where no formal Award is created, it is highly advisable to record the condition of the affected area of the neighbour's property at the outset, thereby protecting both parties interests.
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This can also be requested by the adjoining neighbour.
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Review of plans to identify required notices.
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Legal searches to identify legal 'neighbours' [freeholders, leaseholders, tenants]
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Contact with neighbours, completion and serving of the required notices.
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Act as Building Owner Surveyor
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Drafting and serving of the Party Wall Award.
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Providing 'Ten Day Notices' in event neighbour does not respond.
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Making required appointments on behalf of the building owner.
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Conduct site visit and inspection of neighbouring property affected areas.
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Visual and photographic inspection in production of schedule.
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Follow up inspection at completion of the works.