EXPERT PROPERTY SURVEYING SERVICES THAT SPECIFICALLY CATER TO ST ALBANS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

We were recently appointed by a homeowner in central St. Albans regarding a proposal by their neighbours to add a rear extension to their property.  The property was a semi-detached house in the 1930’s style.  The neighbours already had an extension but planned to enlarge it in the direction of the boundary and within 3 metres of our appointing owner’s property.

Excavation within 3 metres of a shared or adjoining structure falls within the scope of the party wall act if it is also deeper than the base of the foundation to that adjoining or shared structure.

The job was allocated to our senior surveyor William Weaver who visited the property together with the building owner’s surveyor in order to carry out a schedule of condition and consider any other matters which may not be obvious from the drawings. The party wall award, authoring the works, was completed within days and the works not only went ahead on time but were completed without a hitch.

We were contacted by a homeowner from New House Park, on the outskirts of St Albans. The property was a substantial modern detached house.

The homeowner had been served notice that his neighbour had plans to extend their house with a side extension coming within three meters of his house. The adjoining owner wasn’t concerned about the work but wanted to ensure the proper paperwork was in place to protect his home. Therefore he wished to instruct a Party Wall Surveyor as was his right under The Part Wall Act. The job was passed on to our Senior Surveyor William Weaver who visited the property along with the building owner’s surveyor in order to carry out a schedule of condition.

The party wall matters were concluded smoothly to both owner’s satisfaction and the works are currently ongoing.

We were originally contacted by two adjoining owners from a quiet turning close to Croxley Common Moor. They both had concerns about their neighbours proposed works. After the initial discussion with both parties, the building owner served them with party wall notices. With all three neighbours’ approval, Matthew Price was formally appointed as the ‘Agreed Surveyor’ for all three properties and Katie Merchant assisted.

Prior to recording the Schedule of Condition of the two adjoining owners’ properties, in person discussions were had in order to advise and reassure on the party wall process along with aspect of the building owners’ works that are notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As the proposed works related to a single storey extension which is quite common and all the required drawings were on file, all party wall awards were served to all parties within a few days of inspecting.

Their review commented ‘Katie was very professional and thorough’.

Our surveyor, David Breeze, carried out an RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report inspection for a two-bedroom house based in St Albans, AL4.

During the inspection, David identified significant damp issues affecting several areas of the property, including the bedroom, reception room, dining room, and porch area. Externally, he observed that the roofing underlay was protruding into the gutters, which he explained could draw moisture into the roof space. He also noted that the damp proof course to the rear of the house would crumble when touched, and therefore he recommended for it to be replaced. David also discovered that the external render had been applied over the damp proof course, which is a cause of bridging and results in internal damp issues.

During a telephone call with the client, David advised him on the necessary next steps should they decide to proceed with the purchase, including the likely need to rebuild the porch, which was suffering from significant damp issues.

The client left a positive review, describing our team as “helpful and responsive” and stating they would “highly recommend” our services.

We were instructed by our client to carry out an RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey for a one-bedroom purpose-built flat located in St Albans, AL1. The client had concerns regarding potential signs of leaks, damp, or condensation issues, as well as the condition of the electrical and heating systems.

The property was generally in good condition; however, our surveyor David Breeze noted above-average moisture readings around the bedroom’s Velux-style windows. He explained that this was likely due to the windows being on the north-facing side of the property, which is more susceptible to condensation. In terms of the electrical and heating systems, David observed that they appeared to be in sound condition but recommended that the client seek further testing by a qualified specialist to do thorough checks. Externally, David observed vegetation growth within the gutters, to which he recommends for it to be cleared as it could lead to drainage blockages.

In a review, the client praised the “timely written” report and mentioned that he would “highly recommend” our services to others.