Party wall repair/underpinning

northwest1965

We own a property that is being rented out. We've had a letter today from a surveyor saying that next door needs work doing on the party wall (underpinning if needed or stitch bar and localised rebuilding  of part walls) The client will also be responsible and make good any damage to our property.

Should we get a surveyor to look at our property to safeguard our interest or is this not needed. If the party wall is underpinned, does that affect us when it comes to selling?

Doozergirl

Is it a party wall surveyor that has contacted you? 

Party wall surveyors aren't like solicitors, there isn't a conflict of interest.  If I was going to put it very simply, party wall surveyors represent the wall, rather than individuals. 

Domestic projects are quite small, simple jobs in the grand scheme, I can't ever see a need to employ two of them when working on houses. 

It's great that they've already been proactive and contacted you.  You have good neighbours employing good people.  That bodes well.  

northwest1965

Doozergirl said:

Is it a party wall surveyor that has contacted you? 

Party wall surveyors aren't like solicitors, there isn't a conflict of interest.  If I was going to put it very simply, party wall surveyors represent the wall, rather than individuals. 

Domestic projects are quite small, simple jobs in the grand scheme, I can't ever see a need to employ two of them when working on houses. 

It's great that they've already been proactive and contacted you.  You have good neighbours employing good people.  That bodes well.  

Yes it's a party wall surveyor. I have just spoken to him and the 2 houses next to ours (owned both by housing associations - in a terrace) are affected. He said it is unclear as to whether our house has cracks because the tenant has recently decorated. He has noted a small crack going into the cellar.

With regard to costs, how do we know what we will have to pay for the work?

Doozergirl

What's the work for? 

northwest1965

Doozergirl said:

What's the work for? 

Looks like there "may" be underpinning or a stitch bar

EssexExile

northwest1965 said:

Doozergirl said:

What's the work for? 

Looks like there "may" be underpinning or a stitch bar

I suspect Doozergirl is asking why may it need underpinning or stitching.

northwest1965

EssexExile said:

northwest1965 said:

Doozergirl said:

What's the work for? 

Looks like there "may" be underpinning or a stitch bar

I suspect Doozergirl is asking why may it need underpinning or stitching.

They don't know the reason why yet, until the builders go in