Party wall legislation places an onus on Architects and Engineers not to cause foreseeable damage to or compromise the future rights of neighbouring properties.
Our experience has shown there are a wide range of architects and engineers who are not aware of the Party Wall legislation and how this affects their design work and clients.
In our capacity of representing the adjoining owner we continually appraise architect and engineering designs from the building owner that show little or no regard to the adjoining owner’s property and their future rights are being prejudiced.
Many designs contain significant Party Wall shortfalls, delaying the progression of various Party Wall consents, causing further financial costs to the building owner. This is almost always inadvertent, due to lack of awareness of the Party Wall legislation and wider ethos of the Act.
We recommend early expert Party Wall advice every time. Early input will identify matters and associated costs at an initial stage to ensure that the fundamental issues which can slow or even halt developments later are highlighted early.
Scott Surveying is not just an administrator of the party wall process. We identify where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and consider your design and programme aspirations.
A significant part of our business is liaising closely with all members of the team to ensure Party Wall legislation is considered throughout the design process in order to overcome any boundary and neighbourly challenges.
Navigating these solutions through the party wall legislation is an art in itself – one that we have crafted over numerous projects on behalf of developers.
Party Wall Surveyor Services
- Scott Surveying provides an initial appraisal of the contemplated works and advice as to whether, or to what extent, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
- We can also provide an initial view on other issues, such as crane and scaffolding oversailing, or other access (these would require express permission from the adjoining owner) which would also need to be considered by the design team.
- We offer advice to suit client needs, ie strategic advice at an early stage to assist the design team and to reduce any potential challenges by an adjoining owner causing delay and significant costs.
- We regularly work with architects, designers and engineers to address the party wall issues that have been identified, helping to produce the most appropriate design and construction method.
- Where building works are proposed which fall within the scope of the Act, we can institute the formal procedures of the Act by serving all relevant Party Wall notices.
- We can then continue to act for the building owner as his/her ‘appointed’ surveyor steering you through the intricacies of the Act to ensure that your works are commenced as quickly as possible and with all necessary provisions in place. This can include preparing schedules of condition and agreeing awards.
- In addition to representing the building owner, we are often engaged to represent the neighbour (adjoining owner) affected by proposed developments and our experience ensures that you are properly protected with a high level of experience and expertise.
- Although our core business is party wall and boundary matters we have a good general knowledge of architecture, interior space planning, engineering, building surveying and construction methods.