Property Surveys and Party Wall Advice in Upton Park

On a party wall matter, just to the east of Upton Park, our surveyor Shaun Blake, assisted by Bawor Okorodudu, was appointed as the agreed surveyor after the adjoining owner agreed to a joint appointment. The works included a rear extension, loft conversion and chimney stack removal. As it was the building owner’s first time undertaking such works, he was unfamiliar with the party wall process, but Bawor was able guide him through each stage.

During a schedule of condition visit, Bawor discovered that some of the notifiable works had already begun without an award in place. He raised this with the building owner, who did not live at the property and was unaware that his builders had started. The building owner appreciated being made aware. An award was served which took the situation into account and included provisions for making good.

Bawor requested photo updates and helped maintain positive communication between the building owner and adjoining owner. In a review, the building owner praised the “excellent service” and expressed how he felt supported throughout.

Party wall matters relating to a project situated to the north of Upton Park were overseen by one of our senior surveyors, Matthew Price.

The owner undertaking the works, who appointed Matthew, was nervous about serving party wall notices on account of the fact that their relationship with the adjoining owner had deteriorated over neighbourly matters unrelated to this project.

Matthew was able to provide assurance to the building owner that, following the service of notice, the adjoining owner would not be able to either stop, alter or delay their works using the Act’s procedures. The building owner was particularly concerned that fees might escalate.

Upon receipt of the notice, the neighbour appointed their own surveyor and following some discussion it was agreed that the amount payable in respect of fees would be below what the building owner had feared.