During the process of making modifications to a party wall, damage can occur to either the wall or the surrounding property. When this happens, it is the responsibility of the party making modifications to correct and pay for the repairs.
However, how do we determine party wall damage costs? There are a couple of different ways that we can assess and calculate how much an individual or group will be expected to pay, so let’s take a look at those two options here and now.
Obtaining Quotes
The first way in which we can assess and calculate the cost of repairing damage to the party wall, or the surrounding property, is to obtain quotes from reputable contractors.
These contractors are sourced by the surveyors, and will provide a fixed price quote based on a drawing, site inspection, or a list of specifications. Providing nothing has changed as a result of the damage, then you will pay the final sum. However, if there are variations to the specs, then the cost will fluctuate.
These types of estimates are commonly given through telephone conversations, or photographic evidence provided in an email. In some cases, this can vary depending on whether or not the extent of the repairs can be gauged by a glance.
However, this moves forward by the appointed surveyor selecting the correct contractor, and then getting the sum to the adjoining owner, which enables them to start repairing the damage.
Standard Industry Guidelines
Alternatively, there is the case of using industry approved and standard guidelines to determine cost. In this case, you would use The Building Cost Information Service, as agreed on by The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) .
This is a much more uniform way of calculating the costs and is agreed on by nearly all surveyors. It provides a series of standardised rates and fees, which can be used to calculate a final total to submit to the adjoining owner.
Naturally, when everyone is working from the same book, the end results will be the same each time. You get access to a broad selection of offerings, which allows you the chance to provide standard costs for a selection of different options. It’s up to you to take a look at the guidelines for yourself, or to ask a surveyor to do so.
So, in conclusion, it’s not difficult to work out repair costs in either situation.
Obviously, the end result is not what people want, but damage can happen and there are methods in place for when it does. It’s all about being prepared to check out what’s on offer to find out exactly what choices you can make.
It’s probably worth noting that this area can become a bone of contention between party wall surveyors, so if you can reach some type of independent agreement with the adjoining owner, you might save yourself a bit of a headache. Otherwise, you will be relying upon the surveyors to come up with the requisite total between themselves.
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