Successful Party Wall Surveyor Instruction in Stoke Newington

September 23, 2024 By
The rear elevation of terraced houses in London focusing on the party wall line.

At RMA Surveyors, we pride ourselves on offering professional, reliable, and expert Party Wall surveying services throughout London and the South East. One of our recent projects in Stoke Newington, London, highlights our commitment to ensuring smooth construction works while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.

The instruction came from a property owner planning extensive refurbishments to their terraced building in Stoke Newington. The proposed works included the complete removal of internal walls and floors, installation of a new basement level, and the creation of a room in the roof. Given the significant structural changes, it was essential to adhere to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to protect both the building owner and the adjoining owners on either side.

Party Wall Matters: A Complex Instruction

The rear elevation of terraced houses in London focusing on the party wall line, with some new construction in the foreground.

Due to the nature and scale of the refurbishments, which involved significant structural alterations and excavations, the adjoining owners were understandably concerned about potential risks. One adjoining owner’s surveyor, in particular, raised concerns regarding the possibility of damage to their property. They insisted on a security for expenses, citing the potential risks to their property posed by the extensive works.

Security for expenses is a provision under the Party Wall Act, enabling an adjoining owner to request that funds are set aside to cover potential repair costs if any damage occurs as a result of the construction works. RMA Surveyors, acting on behalf of the building owner, approached these concerns with professionalism and diligence. Our primary objective was to safeguard our appointing owner’s project while ensuring the rightful concerns of the adjoining owners were addressed to avoid disputes.

Negotiating the Party Wall Awards

At RMA Surveyors, we understand that clear communication is key when it comes to Party Wall matters. Our team worked closely with the surveyors acting for the adjoining owners and the parties themselves. Through careful negotiation and expert advice, we were able to agree on fair and reasonable terms for the Party Wall awards.

The security for expenses requested by the adjoining owner’s surveyor was negotiated and set in place. This provided reassurance to the adjoining owners that any risks were being properly mitigated. At the same time, we ensured that the terms of the award did not impose unnecessary delays or costs to our client’s project.

Schedules of Condition and Monitoring

As part of our role, RMA Surveyors also undertook comprehensive Schedules of Condition for the adjoining properties. This is an essential step in any Party Wall project, providing a clear record of the state of the adjoining buildings before the commencement of works. Should any issues arise, this document provides crucial evidence of any pre-existing conditions versus potential new damage caused by the works.

We also maintained ongoing communication with all parties throughout the project to ensure that the works complied with the terms of the Party Wall award and that any concerns were swiftly addressed.

A Successful Outcome

The front elevation of terraced houses in London focusing on the party wall line.

The extensive refurbishment, including the basement excavation and roof extension, was completed successfully, in accordance with the Party Wall awards, without any damage occurring to the adjoining properties. The project demonstrated the importance of early and effective engagement with Party Wall surveyors when planning major construction works, particularly in densely populated areas like Stoke Newington.

At RMA Surveyors, we are proud to have facilitated the smooth progress of this project, ensuring that all parties involved were protected and that the works were completed without incident.

Expert Party Wall Services Across London and the South East

RMA Surveyors offers specialist Party Wall surveying services across London and the South East. Whether you’re a building owner planning major works or an adjoining owner concerned about potential impacts on your property, our experienced team is on hand to guide you through the Party Wall process and ensure a fair and balanced outcome for all parties.

If you’re planning a project or need expert Party Wall advice, don’t hesitate to contact RMA Surveyors today. We’re here to help.

Filed Under: building survey, Building Surveying, Construction, Defects, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, party wall surveyors london, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, Surveys Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Party Wall Advice from experienced Surveyors

April 2, 2019 By

If you’re looking for Party Wall advice, contact RMA Surveyors, Newbury, Berkshire. You can be sure of professional advice from experienced chartered surveyors.

Providing party wall surveying and advice in compliance with The Party Wall Act 1996, RMA Surveyors act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

RICS Party Wall Advice

For Party Wall Advice, contact RMA Surveyors on 01635 579208, we can offer expert guidance on all party wall matters.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What is a Party Wall?

November 20, 2018 By

What is a party wall?What is a party wall?

This is a question RMA Surveyors, Newbury, are often asked to clarify, during an initial party wall enquiry.  The extract below is taken from the Department for Communities and Local Government Party Wall etc. Act 1996 explanatory booklet and explains what the Act defines as a party wall.

RMA Surveyors are experienced and professional Party Wall Surveyors. We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties. If you’re looking for Party Wall advice, call RMA Surveyors on 01635 579 208. We are members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The following extract and diagrams are highlighted in the Explanatory Booklet:

What is a party wall?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 recognises two main types of party wall.

Party wall type A

A wall is a “party wall” if it stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners.

Such a wall:

  • is part of one building (see diagram 1),
  • or separates two (or more) buildings (see diagram 2),
  • or consists of a “party fence wall” (see diagram 3).

A wall is a “party fence wall” if it is not part of a building, and stands astride the boundary line between lands of different owners and is used to separate those lands (for example a masonry garden wall). This does not include such things as wooden fences or hedges.

Party wall type B 

A wall is also a “party wall” if it stands wholly on one owner’s land, but is used by two (or more) owners to separate their buildings (see diagram 4).

An example would be where one person has built the wall in the first place, and another has built their building up against it without constructing their own wall.

Only the part of the wall that does the separating is “party” – sections on either side or above are not “party”.

The Act also uses the expression “party structure“. This is a wider term, which could be a wall or floor partition or other structure separating buildings or parts of buildings approached by separate staircases or entrances for example flats (see diagram 5).

Walls that are not Party Walls:

These may include boundary walls (a fence wall/garden wall built wholly on one owner’s land) and external walls (the wall of a building built up to but not astride the boundary).

Diagram 1:

What is a party wall PW Diagram 1

Diagram 2:

What is a party wall PW Diagram 2

Diagram 3:

What is a party wall PW Diagram 3

Diagram 4:

What is a party wall PW Diagram 4

Diagram 5:

What is a party wall PW Diagram 5

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Construction, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Does the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 affect me?

October 17, 2018 By

If you’re unsure if the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 affects you, here’s some advice from the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.

DO YOU INTEND TO CARRY OUT WORK WHICH INVOLVES:

● Work on an existing wall, ceiling or floor structure shared with another property?

● Building on or at the boundary with another property?

● Excavating near a neighbouring building or structure?

If so you must find out whether the work falls within the scope of the Act. If it does you must serve the statutory notice on all those defined in the Act as ‘adjoining owners’.

Determining if a particular building project is within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is often more complex than simply checking the general criteria stated above. Failure to correctly identify the status of your project could result in the building works being unlawful. If you are in any doubt you should always seek professional advice.

RMA Surveyors are experienced and professional Party Wall Surveyors. We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

If you’re in need of a Party Wall Surveyor, contact us on 01635 579 208. We are members of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, Surveys, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Role of a Party Wall Surveyor

October 1, 2018 By

Role of a Party Wall SurveyorThe Role of a Party Wall Surveyor

Any surveyor appointed under section 10 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is undertaking a statutory role. The appointed surveyor should seek to conclude an award that fairly sets out the rights and obligations of both owners, ensuring that the work specified in the award is permissible under the Act. The award should enable the building owner to carry out the work without causing unnecessary inconvenience to adjoining owners or occupiers. An award regulates the way in which the works are to be conducted, as well as dealing with any other related incidental matters such as costs and compensation.

The award is a legally binding document. Once an award has been produced, the surveyor may choose to inspect the works during their course to see they are being properly carried out, and/or at their completion check for any damage to the adjoining owner’s property.

The surveyors prepare the award, which is a legal document between the two owners.  The surveyors normally meet at the property and prepare a schedule of condition (although not a requirement of the Act).  The schedule of condition assists all parties as any damage that may be caused can be checked against it and compensation awarded if required.

A party wall surveyor’s remit is strictly limited to those matters governed by the Act. Consequently, the primary duty in the role of a party wall surveyor is to ensure that the Act’s requirements are administered properly, efficiently and fairly.

Appointment as an ‘Agreed Surveyor’                        

The two owners may expressly concur in the appointment of an ‘agreed surveyor’. This surveyor must act impartially and work towards concluding an award that is fair to both owners, regardless of which owner made the initial appointment, or if one owner is an established client. The agreed surveyor must conclude an award that sets out the rights and duties of both parties and the works to be carried out.

Who can act in the role of a Party Wall Surveyor?

The term “surveyor” is defined in the Act as any person who is not a party to the works.

It is clearly advantageous to appoint a person with the requisite technical skills and experience of administering the legislation.

The person chosen to negotiate the party wall agreement (award) should be knowledgeable about construction and be well versed in party wall procedures. Ideally, they should be registered with a regulating body within the industry, such as the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.

RMA Surveyors are experienced and professional Party Wall Surveyors. We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties. If you’re in need of a Party Wall Surveyor, contact us on 01635 579 208. We are members of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RMA Surveyors – Party Wall Surveyors

September 24, 2018 By

Experienced Party Wall SurveyorsRMA Surveyors in Newbury, Berkshire are experienced Party Wall Surveyors. Providing professional advice on what can seem a daunting and complicated matter.

We offer party wall surveying and advice in compliance with The Party Wall Act 1996.

We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

If you’re in need of a Party Wall Surveyor, get in touch on 01635 579 208.

For further information on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, take a look at the RICS Consumer Guide: Party Walls.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, Surveys, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Types of Party Wall Notice

September 18, 2018 By

There are three types of Party Wall Notice that a building owner may have to serve on an adjoining owner when undertaking works that fall within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

The Party Wall Act covers:

– new building on or at the boundary of 2 properties

– work to an existing party wall or party structure

– excavation near to and below the foundation level of neighbouring buildings

This may, for example, include:

  • building a new wall on or at the boundary of 2 properties
  • cutting into a party wall
  • making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper
  • removing chimney breasts from a party wall
  • knocking down and rebuilding a party wall
  • digging below the foundation level of a neighbour’s property

Remember, the main types of party walls are:

  • a wall that stands on the lands of 2 (or more) owners and forms part of a building – this wall can be part of one building only or separate buildings belonging to different owners
  • a wall that stands on the lands of 2 owners but does not form part of a building, such as a garden wall but not including timber fences
  • a wall that is on one owner’s land but is used by 2 (or more) owners to separate their buildings

The Act also uses the expression ‘party structure’. This could be a wall or floor partition or other structure separating buildings or parts of buildings in different ownership, such as in flats.

For further information, view the Government Guidance.

Which Party Wall Notice should be used?

Party Structure Notice

  • A party structure notice, under section 3 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, describes the intention to exercise rights, conferred under section 2, to undertake certain works to a party structure and certain limited works to an adjoining owner’s independent building (minimum notice period is two months). The required notices must be served on all adjoining owners with an interest in the relevant structures or land.

Notice of Adjacent Excavation

  • Notices of Adjacent Excavation are concerned with works notifiable under section 6 of the Act. The provisions of section 6 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (the Act) are designed to try to avoid the careless destabilising of the foundations to buildings and structures that are in close proximity to a development site. If works will involve excavation of any type (whether or not for foundations), and that excavation falls within certain dimensional parameters in relation to an adjoining building or structure, then notices must be served.

Line of Junction Notice

  • A line of junction notice describes the intention to construct a wall either astride or abutting a boundary, which is not presently built upon, or is built upon only to the extent of a simple boundary wall wholly on one party’s land. (Minimum notice period is one month).

For more information on Party Wall Notices view the RICS Guide to Party Walls.

If you believe you need to serve a Party Wall Notice or you are in receipt of one, call RMA Surveyors for professional advice. 

RMA Surveyors are experienced Party Wall surveyors providing Party Wall surveying and advice in compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.  We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

Contact RMA Surveyors in Newbury, Berkshire on 01635 579208.

 

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Government Guidance on Party Walls

July 16, 2018 By

Government Guidance on Party WallsGovernment Guidance on Party Walls

Information on carrying out building work under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, or what to do if your neighbour tells you they’re about to carry out work can be found on the Gov.uk website.

The Act and Party Wall process can appear complex and daunting, as such the government has provided guidance on preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance to read it in full.

If you’re in need of professional advice, contact RMA Surveyors in Newbury, Berkshire on 01635 579208. Proud members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. RMA Surveyors are experienced Party Wall surveyors that provide Party Wall surveying and advice in compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.  RMA Surveyors act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RICS Guide to Party Walls

July 9, 2018 By

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have produced a clear and impartial guide to Party Walls.

To view the RICS Guide to Party Walls, click here: https://www.ricsfirms.com/media/1190/rics-consumer-guide-party-walls.pdf RICS Guide to Party Walls

If you’re in need of professional advice, contact Chartered Surveyors, RMA Surveyors Ltd in Newbury, Berkshire, on 01635 579208.

RMA Surveyors can assist in your understanding of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and the notice requirements. 

Party Wall notices are required where a property owner (The Building Owner) is planning works that are likely to affect a neighbouring owner’s (The Adjoining Owner) property.

RMA Surveyors have served numerous Party Wall notices on behalf of those undertaking works notifiable under the Party Wall Act etc. 1996. We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties.

RMA Surveyors are experienced party wall surveyors and members of the RICS. 

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Experienced Party Wall Surveyors

July 2, 2018 By

Experienced Party Wall SurveyorsExperienced Party Wall Surveyors, RMA Surveyors in Newbury, Berkshire provide expert advice on the Party Wall process, as one client recently gave testimonial to:

“We appointed Richard Mountain of RMA Surveyors to act on our behalf, as our neighbours had commenced work excavating right next to our house, without serving a party wall agreement.  Richard’s knowledge and expertise helped resolve the issue and allowed our neighbours build to continue whilst protecting our property, which was our biggest concern.  Unfortunately our neighbours chose to ignore the first award and we had to engage Richard again to go through another award.  He worked extremely well to support us and offered a voice of reason to ourselves, our neighbours and the barrister we had to engage.

Richard gave us the confidence that we needed throughout the entire process.  His is extremely thorough and practical, his communication was very proactive and he dealt with sensitive issues in a professional and timely manner, often coming out at short notice. I would fully recommend Richard for any party wall agreement.” (February 2018)

RMA Surveyors provide Party Wall surveying and advice in compliance with The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.  We act on behalf of building owners and adjoining owners, as well as agreed surveyors for both parties. RMA Surveyors are Chartered Building Surveyors so you can feel confident that you’re receiving professional advice and guidance.

Contact experienced party wall surveyors, RMA Surveyors on 01635 579208 for further information on Party Wall matters.

Filed Under: Building Surveying, Newbury, Party Wall, Party Wall Awards, Residential, RICS, RMA Surveyors, West Berkshire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,