Finchley North – Inserting Support Beams to Adjoining Owner’s Party Walls
Proposed Works
North London Party Wall Surveyors were appointed as the Building Owner’s Party Wall Surveyor at a two storey terraced house in Finchley North.
The proposed works involved:
- Inserting supporting beams to Adjoining Owner’s ‘party walls’ for a mezzanine floor in the roof space.
- Raising of the roof.
- Creating a ‘party structure’ between the adjoining properties.
What we did
We prepared a Party Structure Notice, under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, Sections 2 & 3, which we served on the Adjoining Owner. The adjoining Owner dissented and opted to appoint the named surveyor at North London Party Wall Surveyors act as the ‘Agreed’ Surveyor.
Often preferred as a more quick and cost-effective approach, as the Agreed Surveyor we acted impartially for both Building Owner and Adjoining Owner to finalise a Party Wall Award that was accepted as fair and reasonable to both parties.
The Outcome
Following a careful and detailed inspection, and a ‘Schedule of Condition’ of the Adjoining Owner’s property produced, the Party Wall Award was published.
Islington – Rebuilding Unstable Party Fence Wall
Proposed Works
The Building Owner proposed to remove and rebuild a Party Fence Wall. The condition of the wall had become increasingly unstable as a result of its original construction and also lack of foundations. Prior to works commencing, a detailed design and agreement on the reinstatement works would need to be produced.
North London Building Surveyors were asked to carry out detailed investigations, alongside an engineer, with a view to proposing a scheme for a repair of the Party Fence Wall.
What we did
Acting on behalf of the Building Owner, a Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was served on the Adjoining Owner. Subsequently, we were appointed as the ‘Agreed’ Surveyor – an independent unbiased party for both Building Owner and Adjoining Owner.
An inspection resulted in the production of the ‘Schedule of Condition’ of the Party Fence Wall which can be used as evidence if an Adjoining Owner brings a claim under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and protects the Building Owner from false claims being brought.
The Outcome
A section of the Party Fence Wall was rebuilt to the original design, including new foundations and reinforced piers. In addition, a large section of an existing boundary wall was retained, also with the introduction of reinforced piers on pad foundations.
The completed Party Fence Wall was checked and signed-off against the initial Schedule of Condition, which enabled the Party Wall Award to be finalised.