Three Essential Causes of Damage
Structural damage most commonly arises from three specific activities: installing RSJ beams in loft conversions, jack hammering to remove chimney breasts, and excavation near neighbour’s foundations for ground floor extensions—which often involves the temporary removal of their natural right of support.
Our Professional Duties
- Thoroughly review structural method statements and the manner of proposed works.
- Record pre-works property condition with forensic photographic evidence.
- Serve the statutory Party Wall Award setting out rights, responsibilities, and access.
- Maintain all surveys and forensic photos on file for a minimum of 10 years.
Neighbour Relationship Management
Maintaining positive relations is paramount. Pearce & Pearce has completed over 2,000 Party Wall surveys, ensuring adherence to the statutory framework while preserving professional transparency. By law, surveyors must remain strictly impartial, acting as neutral experts to safeguard the rights and interests of both properties.
Surveyor Appointments
Adjoining neighbours have the right to appoint their own surveyor who can act for both parties. Alternatively, Pearce & Pearce can act for both owners as the 'Agreed Surveyor'. This is the best way to limit costs and is highly recommended by government and professional bodies to ensure an efficient legislative process.
Notice Periods & Process
Notice periods are 1 month for excavation near foundations (including extension digging and natural right of support) and 2 months for wall works like lofts or chimney removals. We serve initial Notices free of charge, record pre-works photos, and issue Awards setting out rights and access, keeping all files for 10 years.
Costs & Efficiency
Typical fees range from £900–£1,400 + VAT. With over 2,000 surveys completed, we recommend an impartial 'Agreed Surveyor' for both owners to minimize costs as advised by government bodies. While neighbours retain the right to their own surveyor, Pearce & Pearce can act for both parties to maintain positive relationships.
