In this week’s blogpost and property surveying topic, we are going to be looking at party wall surveying procedures, when they apply, and the typical types of work that we have seen occur in a London area over the past few months.
Party wall surveyor, or surveying, in London tends to comprise of a number of different types of construction works.
The works that fall within the realm of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, are very much defined by the types of property that are within the London area.
In our experience here at Stokemont, we tend to see the majority of these being houses, either terraced, semi-detached or detached, as well as a number of flats both purpose-built and conversion.
These properties will find themselves covered by the party wall surveying procedures, first and foremost because those with shared structures such as party fence walls or party walls will find themselves having to adhere to the Act and also those that are within close proximity, to surrounding structures, which is in all reality the likelihood in the London area, they will also indeed need to follow the party wall procedures.
We are now going to be looking at some of the more common works that we have seen over the years within the London area.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversion are an incredibly common type of work that falls within the realm of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and ultimately ensures that the party wall procedures are followed for the building owner undertaking the work, and the adjoining owner with whom they share a party wall, ultimately ensuring that there is a robust Party Wall Award in place giving both owners full protection.
Extensions
Whether it be a rear extension, front extension, or side extension, if an owner is planning on excavating to a level deeper than the existing foundations, and within six metres of the neighbouring structure, they will need to adhere to the party wall procedures.
Basement Extensions
Much like rear, front and side extensions, if a building owner is planning on undertaking basement excavations to their property, they will need to adhere to the party wall surveying procedures, as set out by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Other Works
This tends to cover all other works that the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 deals with, and generally speaking, here at Stokemont we believe these to be chimney breast removal, insertion of beams into party walls, changing roof coverings, or any other relatively low risk minor works that can take place to the property.
If you are planning on undertaking party wall works within the London area and would like to speak to a team of local and qualified party wall surveyors, give us a call today and we would be more than happy to assist you.
