Does Pary Wall Surveyor need internal access?

flightinfo · 6 July 2012 at 8:21PM

My neighbour is having a rear/side extension and we have agreed to appoint a joint party wall surveyor. The properties are detached and the reason for the party wall notice is that the extension is within 3 metres of our property and the new foundations will be deeper than ours.

I knew the surveyor would be coming to do a site visit. I have received an email from them wanting to arrange a convenient time - they state it will take approximately 45 minutes. I had assumed they would just need access to the outside/garden area. As they state to allow 45 minutes, I am now wondering if they need internal access as well. I am just trying to work out a suitable time for the appointment from the suggestions they have given. (Being the weekend, I thought I'd try and work it out before I ring them on Monday.) If they do need to come inside, do they look over the whole house or just the rooms near the extension?

Thank you.

macman · 6 July 2012 at 9:17PM

Yes, of course they will need access to establish the condition of the party wall on your side, and probably to make a photographic record,

flightinfo · 6 July 2012 at 10:05PM

Ok, thank you. I had just assumed that because we were detached, the surveyor would be looking at the outside of the property, the fence, paving stones in the garden, etc.

southcoastrgi · 7 July 2012 at 8:24AM

thats a good thing for you as if there is any damage caused to your wall/house during the build there will be proof that it wasn't there before, saves alot of heartache later on if there is a prob.