Chartered Building Surveryors

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes related to works affecting a shared wall, boundary, or structure between two properties. Common examples include extensions, basement excavations, piling works, and structural alterations.

Our Services Include:

• Party Wall Notices: Drafting and serving legally compliant notices.
• Schedule of Condition Reports: Documenting property conditions prior to the commencement of notifiable works.
• Party Wall Awards: Preparing legally binding Party Wall Awards that set out the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
• Dispute Resolution: Managing and resolving disputes, including damages arising from notifiable works.
• Expert Advice: Providing clear guidance through legal obligations with confidence.

Access rights granted under The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can only be used for works specified within the Act. When access is required for works not covered by the Act, entering into an access licence is the most practical solution.

We have extensive experience in producing customised access licences tailored to your needs while considering the requirements of neighbouring properties. These include scaffolding and crane oversail licences.

We offer Level 2 and Level 3 Building Surveys to help property buyers, owners, and investors make informed decisions.

Level 2 Home Survey (Previously Homebuyer Report)

Ideal for modern or well-maintained properties, this survey provides:

• A visual inspection of the building, highlighting significant defects.
• A condition rating system to assess urgent and future repairs.
• Advice on maintenance and potential legal considerations.

Level 3 Building Survey (Previously Full Structural Survey)

Recommended for older, larger, or altered properties, this in-depth survey includes:

• A comprehensive structural assessment, identifying major and minor defects
• Detailed analysis of potential issues such as damp, subsidence, or roof damage
• Guidance on necessary repairs, costs and future maintenance.

A Measured Survey provides accurate, scaled drawings of a property, essential for renovations, extensions, planning applications, and legal documentation.

What We Offer:

• Floor Plans: Detailed layouts of internal spaces.
• Elevations & Sections: Precise external and internal building profiles.
• Site Plans: Mapping of land, boundaries, and surrounding structures.

Using advanced surveying technology, we deliver precise and reliable data tailored to your project needs.

Contact us for professional measured surveys.

A Schedule of Condition (SoC) is a detailed report recording the existing condition of an adjoining property before construction begins under The Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It includes:

• Written descriptions & photographs of walls, floors, and ceilings.
• Existing cracks, defects, or damage documented by a surveyor.

This protects both parties by preventing false claims and simplifying dispute resolution, making it essential for a smooth Party Wall process.

We conduct Schedules of Condition using a dictaphone, ensuring a faster, more precise process that improves workflow and service quality.

The extent of ownership or boundary positioning between two properties is not always clear-cut. Sometimes, dimensions are inaccurate, and plans are marked up incorrectly.

We often act in the event of a dispute over the boundary positioning between two properties, aiming to establish and prove the correct boundary line.

A Defect Diagnosis Survey identifies and investigates specific building issues, helping property owners find the root cause of defects and recommend effective solutions.

Common Issues Assessed:

• Damp & Moisture Problems (rising damp, condensation, leaks)
• Structural Cracks & Movement (subsidence, settlement, or structural failure)
• Roofing & Drainage Defects (leaks, poor insulation, blocked drains)
• Timber Decay & Rot (woodworm, dry/wet rot)

Our expert surveyors provide a detailed assessment, explaining the cause of the issue and offering practical solutions to prevent further damage.

Get in touch for expert defect analysis and property advice.

A Snagging Report is a detailed inspection of a new-build property, identifying defects, poor workmanship, and unfinished areas before you move in.

What We Check:

• Structural Issues: Cracks, poor plastering, or misaligned walls.
• Fixtures & Fittings: Doors, windows, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• External Works: Brickwork, driveways, drainage, and hard/soft landscaping.

Our expert surveyors ensure your home meets high standards and that all issues are corrected by the developer.