Frequently Asked Questions: Home and Party Wall Surveys

A: This is one of the most common enquiries we receive. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of statutory legislation, and it sets out minimum periods of notice that can run for up to 2 months. 

We can sometimes help, provided that your project manager has ensured that the professional team have organised all the required drawings, method statements and other evidence that the party wall surveyor will require. In addition, your project manager must have established that the works are legal in terms of design. This does not just mean that you have planning permission as you need to ensure that the design does create a trespass and that you have established sufficient legal rights to carry out each aspect of the works. 

Common trip up points are overhanging eaves/gutters, unnecessary foundation encroachment and a failure to gain agreement for scaffolding which may not be covered by the Party Wall Award(s)/notice(S). Remember that the best time to appoint your surveyor is generally before or when you appoint your architect. You should also appoint a project/contract manager unless you are suitably experienced. 

A: Asking a question is often an answer. We would advise you to consider which areas were refurbished, what ‘refurbished’ means on this occasion, whether the builder understood the historic building’s needs and what the potential cost of not allowing the surveyor adequate time and scope may be.

A: Absolutely, and we now have the latest Residential Property Surveyors Association documents and standards available. These have been fully approved in line with the relevant upcoming legislation for snagging assessors.

A: Yes, we can provide a feasibility report and our opinions regarding planning and use. 

A: Absolutely, we can carry out a pre-sale inspection and provide our opinion. 

A: Yes, we can pop round with our high-level inspection equipment and report back to you with photographs and findings.

A: Yes, but before you do so, there may be a simpler, easier and cheaper solution. We can carry out some investigations for you.

A: Yes we can take a look and also run some checks with our thermal imaging equipment. 

A: Probably not is the honest answer. However, we can signpost you in the right direction regarding dispute resolution and may be able to provide a report for your solicitor if required. 

A: Yes, we are based in Kent, so oasts and barn conversions are typical properties from our perspective.