Is your neighbour building a loft or extension? Recommended party wall surveyor

[sue k]

I did not know anything about party wall surveyors, until a friend mentioned to me that I should have one, as my next door neighbour is building a loft and planning a side extension. I knew of a company of local structural engineers DJP consulting from previous work, and so asked their advice and they put me in touch with their party wall surveyor called Mark Douglas and I have to say, he has been brilliant and such a help. I had no idea that my neighbour should have informed me and got an official party wall agreement, BEFORE works had even started. Mark has helped me to negotiate getting our windows cleaned (as a result of dirt and debris from the building work next door) given our house a proper survey to check if there are any cracks or damage as a result from the structural build next door.(which there is and which will be put right) also being a next door neighbour to the build work, we don't have to pay these fees, it is down to the owner having the work done)He also checks everything with Southwark Council and has certainly put our mind to rest, as I was so worried about what was happening and whether what the builders were doing (new steel beams in the roof etc) would have an impact on our house. He raises a formal Party Wall agreement which outlines everything the builders have to do.

I would advise anyone who knows their neighbour is about to start build work, to look into this! Mark Douglas is available on Tel 07971710041 or email [email protected]