EXPERT PROPERTY SURVEYING SERVICES THAT SPECIFICALLY CATER TO EAST LONDON & ESSEX

A homeowner from a quiet residential turning close to Gidea Park station contacted us after receiving notice from his neighbour that he intended to carry out  work to his property. He wanted to seek advice on the process and the potential effects of the neighbours’ works on his own home. At the end of the conversation with Katie Merchant, the adjoining owner had decided to dissent to the notices, and appoint us as their surveyor, but was content with sharing us with the neighbour.

After a conversation with the building owner he also agreed to appoint Peter Barry Surveyors as agreed surveyor. We reviewed the party wall notices and discovered that they did not include all of the notifiable works, which resulted in us serving further notices on the building owners’ behalf.

The party wall process continued with ease and a written schedule of condition was recorded to form part of the finalised Party Wall Award. The building owners had not been through the party wall process before, but commented in a review “We found her (Katie) very thorough and good at communication.”

Proposed works were due to commence at a mid-terrace property in Gants Hill. Both adjoining owners received the relevant party wall notice relating to the works and at this point had the right to dissent to the notices and appoint us as their party wall surveyors.

The proposed works related to a single storey rear extension, which would not be counted as complex. However, both adjoining owners had their own concerns, which were raised and addressed prior to the party wall award commencing.

One of the neighbours commented that we “had been very helpful, patient and efficient dealing with our queries.”

On a party wall matter relating to a property close to the greyhound stadium in Romford, our surveyor, Callum Escott, was appointed by an adjoining owner who had expressed concern about feeling pressured by the building owner. They wanted reassurance that the correct procedures would be followed. Upon reviewing the file, Callum identified missing and incorrect documentation, including drawings and notices.

He promptly contacted the building owner’s surveyor to rectify the issues and ensure everything was in order so that the schedule of condition could be carried out and a party wall award produced. Throughout the process, Callum maintained clear communication with the adjoining owner, holding regular calls and providing email updates to address and resolve any concerns.

In a review, the adjoining owner praised Callum’s diligence and described the team as “polite and knowledgeable”, while also commenting that the service was “prompt and professional”.

Our surveyor, Shaun Blake, was instructed to carry out a Specific Defect Report and Reinstatement Cost Assessment for a converted property in South Woodford E18, built around 1900 and comprising three flats. The client had concerns about visible cracks to the internal partition walls within the shared stairwell and wanted to determine whether these were due to structural movement. The purpose of the report was to support the renewal of the building’s insurance, to which the client to also request a Reinstatement Cost Assessment to confirm the appropriate level of cover.

The Specific Defect Report report examined the cracks thoroughly, describing their appearance and location. Shaun advised that the defects could be addressed with repair methods such as brick stitching and confirmed that the cracks were not the result of subsidence, settlement, or ground heave, reassuring the client that there were no structural movement concerns.

The client later left a review describing the service as “organised and friendly.”

Our team were approached by a client looking to arrange an RICS Level 3 Home Survey for a five-bedroom house in Woodford Green, IG8. The Level 3 report is ideal for larger or older properties as it offers an in-depth analysis and a clear summary of recommended repairs, making it easier for buyers to understand the condition of a property and obtain quotes for any necessary works.

Our surveyor, Shaun Blake, identified several urgent issues during the inspection. These included a cracked bathroom switch plate, which is a serious electrical hazard and missing balustrades along the staircase, which posed a safety risk, particularly for young children. Shaun made suggestions for improving the property’s energy efficiency including improving the quality of the glazing. He also gave detailed comments on improving sub-floor ventilation to reduce the risk of timber defects.

The client later praised the “great customer service” they received and described the Level 3 report as “very detailed and helpful.”