Party Wall Advice for Owners of Properties in Watford

An adjoining owner reached out to us with concerns about their neighbour’s plans to add a new side and rear extension to their property in north Watford. The works included excavation works close to their property and construction along the boundary line.

Our Associate Director, Matthew Price, was appointed as their surveyor, supported by Katie Merchant. With the adjoining owners preparing to sell their property, Katie provided reassurance by explaining that protective hoarding would be installed during the works and that they would be compensated for any damage caused. She attended the property to complete the schedule of condition, despite the other surveyor not attending, and clarified that, as the adjoining owners owned the boundary fence, the building owner would temporarily store it and reinstate it as close as possible to its original location once work was complete.

After the award was served, the adjoining owner left a review describing the process as “straightforward” and praised the “sound communication” they received throughout.

This was an unusual party wall case, which fell within the permit of the Party Wall Act on a technicality. This semi-detached house on Tudor Avenue was built in the architectural style of the inter war period. The works were to construct a side extension which was a considerable distance from the neighbour. However the works required an alteration to the drainage system which involved excavating to connect to the existing drain, which ran across the back of the house.

This excavation was within three meters of the neighbour’s foundations and therefore fell within the scope of the Act. The neighbour was insistent on the Act being followed and the building owner paused works whilst the matter was dealt with.

Our Senior Surveyor William Weaver discussed the matter with both parties who agreed to appoint William as agreed surveyor. The neighbour consented to the works subject to a schedule of condition be recorded (so that any damage would be obvious). William attended site, carried out the schedule and the matter was completed at minimum cost and without delay.