Party Wall & Property Surveys in Hampstead Garden Suburb

Earlier this year, our senior surveyor William Weaver handled party wall matters relating to a pair of semi-detached houses built as part of the original Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Any development in an area like this is a very sensitive issue both for the owners concerned and the wider public. The Architect served the original notices and the adjoining owners appointed William as their surveyor. After some discussion with the owners, during which William explained the workings of the Party Wall Act and his role, it was agreed that he would act as the agreed surveyor.

The works were a loft conversion, small rear extension and removal of chimney breasts internally. Using an agreed surveyor in a relatively minor case such as this is commonplace, it more than halves the costs for the building owner and speeds matters up. The whole process from instruction to service of award took 13 working days for a pre agreed fixed price. Building works commenced on time and have proceeded smoothly and amicably since.

We were approached by a building owner in the East Finchley area wanting to add a single storey side and rear extension to their property. As part of the works, they planned to construct a new wall up to the boundary line but remaining wholly on their own land.

In this scenario, we recommend that the building owner approach their neighbour to have an initial discussion and show them what they intend to construct. This initial informal approach ensures that they do not become aware of the proposals by receiving a notice in the post.

The pitch having been rolled, we formally notified the adjoining owners of the aspects of the work falling within the Party Wall Act. As the neighbours had already been made aware of the planned works and a well-established surveying practice had sent them formal notices, they were more than happy to consent provided that a schedule of condition was prepared before any construction work started.