Forum Topic

Local party wall surveyor

Hello, can anyone recommend a local party wall surveyor with expertise in neighbours excavating for basement with a retaining wall at the boundary? I'd appreciate finding someone decent. Thank you.

Alan Sherman ● 1413d12 Comments

Thank you for recommendations.  I was aware that the neighbouring building owner will pay for my surveyor, I was after the independent view.Andrew: I have gone with your recommendation of Robert Watson, thank you.I liked the info on his website: https://www.partywall.info/my-neighbour-is-doing-work.html

Alan Sherman ● 1402d

We have used David Graves and JC Francis on many occasions and found them to be excellent.

Tim Warren ● 1409d

There are several firms locally who we use and can recommend. Try nigel@partywallslimited.com or laurence@partywall.info.  As Andy says, any surveyor you appoint will usually be paid for by your neighbour, and is there to ensure the works are done properly, but cannot prevent them nor guarantee that your neighbour will use competent contractors.

Andrew Catto ● 1409d

I know someone who used these guys and said they were greathttps://www.pricepartnership.co.uk/

Matt Palmer ● 1409d

Unfortunately I can't recommend anyone, but I had experience of this 21 years ago when the neighbours I adjoin excavated a basement.The people doing the work have to pay for your party wall surveyor, you can choose whom you like. The surveyor's loyalty is not to you the client, but to the wall. Sounds odd, but apparently that's the way it is. Have you tried Which Trusted Traders?

Elizabeth Balsom ● 1410d

I think that the neighbour doing the work will probably know more about it and the other neighbour can be thrown suddenlyinto dealing with a situation that they know little about and weren't anticipating.  I've heard of neighbours not realising that the neighbour doing the building is responsible for paying for the other neighbour's party wall surveyor and so not doing anything or just agreeing to the one.

Philippa Bond ● 1412d

I would be very surprised if this happened as the surveyor will need to act within his indemnity insurance and could find himself in a very difficult place if he did not act in the best interests of both parties.The biggest problem usually experienced is that the neighbour has a higher expectation of what a party wall survey is and what it covers.

Andy Pike ● 1412d

Yes with the benefit of hindsight I agree with you Philippa. Unconscious bias?

Sue Hammond ● 1412d

I wouldn't choose to have the same party wall surveyor as my neighbour if my neighbour is doing work due to conflicts of interest.  As I understand it if your neighbour is doing the work then the neighbour has to pay for your party wall surveyor (a reasonable fee) but you don't have to have who they suggest.

Philippa Bond ● 1412d

David Graves was the surveyor who acted for me and my neighbour who was was having a loft and rear extension built.  Not impressed.

Sue Hammond ● 1413d

Alan: If you are trying to contact David Graves (surveyor) I suggest you use his mobile, not his landline.

Alexander MacLeod ● 1413d

The following probably meets your needs. Very good.David C Graves BSc FRICSManaging DirectorJCF Property Management Ltd322 Upper Richmond RoadLondonSW15 6TL Mobile:    07968 595 666Tel:          020 8785 9700Email:        david.graves@jcfpropertymanagement.comWebsite:  www.jcfpropertymanagement.com

Alexander MacLeod ● 1413d