EXPERT PROPERTY SURVEYING SERVICES THAT SPECIFICALLY CATER TO BRENTWOOD AND SURROUNDING AREAS

We were instructed to carry out a lease extension report for a flat in Romford, RM3, where the lease had just 80 years and 3 months remaining. Recent changes in legislation removed the previous two-year ownership requirement; therefore, the owner, having owned the property for just over a year, was allowed to proceed with the extension. As the lease was nearing the 80-year mark, it was important to act quickly to avoid increased costs.

Our surveyor, Matthew Price, assisted by Katie Merchant, used comparative tools to identify the closest matching properties. Adjustments were made to ensure the comparisons reflected the correct floor level and other relevant factors. A detailed report was then provided to both the client and their solicitor, enabling the solicitor to serve the Section 42 notice on the freeholder.

In a review, the client expressed how pleased he was with the service, describing it as “very efficient and highly informative.”

Peter Barry surveyors were contacted by the adjoining owner whose neighbour had submitted a planning permission for a vast scheme of works which included a wraparound extension at the boundary. They appointed Matthew Price MRICS who worked with the neighbour Surveyor to produce and serve the partly wall award.

Wallis undertaking the schedule of condition inspection, it was apparent that there was a need to consider how access would be maintained down the side of the adjoining owners property as this was essential to move through the property on a daily basis. The resulting award allowed for hoarding only 20 cm onto the land meaning that the wall would be constructed over hand and only once complete with the hoarding be taken down to allow for rendering.

Despite the general inconvenience of the building project as a whole, the Joy owner was happy that the impact of this aspect was thankfully minimalised.

We were contacted by the adjoining owner regarding their concerns about the building owners’ proposed works and wished to appoint a independent party wall surveyor that would listen to their concerns. The proposed works were in relation to a loft conversion to the building owners’ mid terraced house, with the adjoining owner concerned about damage to their recently repaired roof.

Party wall process was followed and discussions between the two surveyors required the plans to be amended slightly in order for access to be granted under the Act to the adjoining owners’ property as they preferred for the building owners’ dormer cheek to sit flush against the boundary line between the two properties. Once this matter was agreed by all and plans updated, the remaining section of the party wall process continued smoothly.

Their review stated ‘Katie was very helpfil and listened to our concerns’.

For a resolved party wall matter based in Romford, RM3, our surveyor Callum Escott acted as the agreed surveyor for both the building owner and an adjoining owner. The building owner initially served the party wall notice themselves where the proposed works involved a wrap-around extension. The adjoining owner appointed Callum and agreed to allow him to act as the agreed surveyor.

During a site visit, it became apparent that a drain was located where the building owner intended to excavate at the line of junction. As a result, the wall needed to be repositioned astride the boundary rather than up to it. This change required additional consent from the adjoining owner, therefore Callum was required to serve a further notice.

The adjoining owner had several concerns about the newly proposed wall. However, Callum took the time to speak with him on multiple occasions, offering reassurance and addressing his questions thoroughly. As a result, the adjoining owner gave their consent, allowing the project to move forward without the need for a costly redesign.

In a review, the building owner praised Callum’s efforts, describing the service as “fast and professional.”

For a party wall matter in Romford, RM2, our surveyor Matthew Price, with the assistance of Amrita Johal, acted on behalf of the adjoining owner in relation to a proposed rear ground floor extension being constructed up to the boundary. The adjoining owner had concerns that the building owner might commence works without an award in place, as they had previously begun works without properly serving notice or following the correct process. Amrita raised this concern with the building owner’s surveyor to ensure the building owner was fully aware that no works should begin until a party wall award was in place.

During the schedule of condition inspection, an armoured cable running along the boundary fence was identified, to which the adjoining owners expressed another concern, as the cable supplied power to a shed used by their daughter as a workspace. Amrita and Matthew reassured the owners that a clause would be included in the award requiring a suitably qualified person to carefully remove and reinstate the cable once works were complete, and that it must not be disconnected without the adjoining owner’s consent.

The adjoining owner left a review stating that the surveyors acted “efficiently and speedily” and praised the high level of communication received throughout the process.