Party wall surveyor questions

Halle71

Hello

We are building an extension and our neighbours have appointed a party wall surveyor - unfortunately one of the 'ambulance chasers' as we haven't even served the notice yet but our application is on the council planning website.

Our neighbours are quite reasonable so when we do serve notice we are going to suggest appointing a surveyor to represent both of us.

They have sent a list of information that they require and it seems they want a little too much from my point of view.

In a nutshell, I thought that the job of the PWS was to ensure that our works do not damage the adjoining property. I understand why they may want to see architectural plans although these are available online. But they have also asked for 'building working drawings' and I would like to know what the difference is?
They also want details of the main contractor - why? Surely they cannot have an input into who we use and does this mean we can't serve the notice until we have a builder? And proof of their public liability insurance. I know that we need that anyway but what's it to them? If we damage their property isn't it our liability and we take it up with our builder if it's their fault...?

I might be being too sensitive but the whole thing is getting to me. Because of the neighbours lack of understanding and the bullish behaviour of these type of companies, this is the second company they have appointed, the first of whom is included in lots of rogue trader articles/reviews.

Also, the house is actually vacant and has been for a long time and is in complete disrepair and poses a greater threat to us than our build does to them.

Rant over!

cyclonebri1

Halle71 wrote: »

Hello

We are building an extension and our neighbours have appointed a party wall surveyor - unfortunately one of the 'ambulance chasers' as we haven't even served the notice yet but our application is on the council planning website.

Our neighbours are quite reasonable so when we do serve notice we are going to suggest appointing a surveyor to represent both of us.

They have sent a list of information that they require and it seems they want a little too much from my point of view.

In a nutshell, I thought that the job of the PWS was to ensure that our works do not damage the adjoining property. I understand why they may want to see architectural plans although these are available online. But they have also asked for 'building working drawings' and I would like to know what the difference is?
They also want details of the main contractor - why? Surely they cannot have an input into who we use and does this mean we can't serve the notice until we have a builder? And proof of their public liability insurance. I know that we need that anyway but what's it to them? If we damage their property isn't it our liability and we take it up with our builder if it's their fault...?

I might be being too sensitive but the whole thing is getting to me. Because of the neighbours lack of understanding and the bullish behaviour of these type of companies, this is the second company they have appointed, the first of whom is included in lots of rogue trader articles/reviews.

Also, the house is actually vacant and has been for a long time and is in complete disrepair and poses a greater threat to us than our build does to them.

Rant over!

:wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall::wall:


You have become a victim.

As you suggest, the are trully vampires,

Why on earth you and the next doors can't sort this is beyond me, and it's not your fault.

They will have had a party wall tw9t jack them as a result of pp or br applications.

If you can reconcile this with them, get an agreement and gift them 1/2 what this will cost you.

Halle71

That's a good idea - gifting the money.
Although we've already had to pay for repairs to their chimney because the stack was crumbling and their chimney pot pulling away from ours causing water to flood down our chimney. They refused to pay because it wasn't affecting them and knowing this was coming up I didn't want to push it.....

I suspect a joint surveyor is the best we will get away with. To be honest, given the state of their house and the fact it has been vacant for years, it may be useful for us to know what's going on inside in case of future problems or try to blame existing damage off as our fault.

I think we will wait until we have planning permission then supply the notice with our chosen surveyor recommended as the agreed surveyor and include a covering note explaining why - comes recommended, RICS etc.

Grrrrrrr. Makes me so cross.

And do I have to give all the info requested?

Thanks a lot.

Gloomendoom

Halle71 wrote: »

That's a good idea - gifting the money

Can't you just give them the money?

teneighty

Proceed with caution!

Do not engage with the firm as it is potentially adding to your bill. Until you serve notice there is nothing they can do and they have no right to quiz you about the work, they are just trying to suck you in and ratchet up the bill. DO NOT SERVE NOTICE until this is resolved and do not agree to instruct them yourself.

Try to get neighbour to disinstruct firm on basis that notice has not been served and work has been cancelled or something along those lines. The firm will probably try to bill neighbour for abortive work, possibly up to £500 but they should be able to get out of it. If they panic and insist they stay with firm you are screwed.

If this happens I would suggest you look very carefully at your project to see if it really does fall under the Party Wall Act and maybe modify it so that it does not.....it could be cheaper in the long run.

If in doubt seek professional help, this could cost you thousands.

cyclonebri1

It is highly likely that it does fall under the PWA, that's the reason they have scanned the proposed extension and decided to contact your neighbours..


And yes, they will want details of contractors to determine insurance cover.


But again if you are on any sort of reasonable terms with your neighbour then talk to them,, there is a simple form given as a template/example on the gov planning portal website.


Basically it details all work to be done and you agree to put right or compensate if any thing done under the project affects the neighbours standard rights.
Both parties sign and it becomes a legal document. NO SCAVENGERS INVOLVED


I've done this, it costs nothing, provides the next doors with details of what is to happen and declares your liability too them.

bildersfriend

Simply use one of the price compassion websites for Party Wall Surveyors lowest price and local!

This one provides Surveyors at £695.00 + VAT for the Award and Survey!

https://www.localpartywallsurveyors.com

chappers

I agree with teneighty, be very cautious about issuing a PW notice at this point. These guys will do everything to bleed you dry without acting within the interests of either party.
As said if you are on good terms with your neighbours, explain your concerns and point them to information on the net about these ambulance chaser types.
Find out if they are RICS registered and if not, as many aren't this might be a good argument to put to your neighbour.
I wouldn't issue a notice until this is resolved, what works are you carrying out that would require invoking the PWA, with this hanging over you and the fact that they are absent owners, it might be worth just cracking on with the works, take pictures of their property , through the windows if necessary to show the state of disrepair etc.
They clearly don't know what they are doing having instructed not one but two of these lowlives. Do they realise they could be opening themselves up to fees for abortive works if you decide not to carry out your works and maybe fees from one of the surveyors even if you do.

DRP

Zombie thread from 2014...

chappers

well spotted, but the OP is probably still at the dispute stage as his neighbours have employed a dodgy PW surveyor