What is a Party Wall? The government has produced a booklet Section 20 of the act interprets “party fence wall” means a wall (not being part of a building) which stands on lands of different owners and is used or constructed to be used for separating such adjoining lands, but does not include a wall… Continue reading What is a Party Wall
Author: Bruce Spenser MSc MCIOB
Boundary Disputes
Does the Party Wall Act cover Boundary disputes? This post has emerged following a phone call this morning. Facts: Party Fence Wall/Fence in place – no dispute exists. Notices served, surveyors appointed, award in place, extension built by Building Owner on Party Wall. A year later Building Owner places fence in line with outer edge… Continue reading Boundary Disputes
Valuation Survey
What is the value of a Residential Dwelling House? It is worth what a person will pay who has full knowledge of; The structure and condition of the property and the cost, if necessary, to bring it into a sound structural condition with modern desirable services, layout and décor. The relationship between supply, demand and… Continue reading Valuation Survey
Pests Survey
Are Bees, pigeons, rodents, insects within or affecting the property?
Deleterious Materials Survey
Lead and Asbestos – are they safe?
Fire Survey
Is the property fire safe and compliant with relevant Fire Regulations?
Central heating and Hot Water Survey
The adequacy of the system as to: Efficiency Cost Controls Insulation The heat loss of the property Alternatives Safety Effect on laminate, wooden or other flooring Any pipework which may have been incorrectly fitted (i.e. copper pipes laid in concrete or screed or plastered into walls. The boiler is correctly fitted, flued and the correct… Continue reading Central heating and Hot Water Survey
Extraction and Ventilation Survey
The following will assist in maintaining adequate ventilation: Trickle vents on all double glazed windows – 10mm continuous and kept open The property should be kept at a temperature of 18C (by use of central heating or windows or ideally air to air heat pump) The kitchen, bathroom, WC and bedrooms should have electrical extractors… Continue reading Extraction and Ventilation Survey
Bathrooms and kitchens survey
The quality and expected longevity of the Bathroom and Kitchen units is an important financial consideration
Decoration survey
Blistering, Flaking, peeling, cracking, chalkyness, mould, blackspot, wrinkling, yellowing, rotting, uncovered all are signs which need to be investigated and resolved.