My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.

"tecstar" wrote in message
ups.com...
My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.


Why should you agree? Would you not want to involve a professional at his
expense to make sure that it is done properly and with an insurance company
behind him. If you prepare your own agreement you may get it right but why
take the chance.

tecstar wrote:
My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.


Part of the Party Wall Award that the surveyor will specify should include,
exact plans of the work and schedule of the work as well as a detailed
analysis of the state of the party structure.

Using the party wall act properly should prevent arguments and bad-feeling
between neighbours as disagreements are settled by the surveyor.

From personal experience I would not allow any work to go ahead without the
notice being properly served and a survey carried out. This protects both of
you and your neighbour must foot the bill.

Rob

tecstar wrote:
My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.

As concluded in a previous thread, the party wall agreement is just
about getting the work done. It says nothing about the quality of the
work, and building control should be checking that. The party wall act
only requires a surveyor if agreement cannot be reached.
But the agreement you both sign will say that you will put right any
damage to the standard of the surrounding work at no expense to the
neighbour. What would happen if the neighbour claimed you had damaged
something that was already like that ? Thus some record of present
state would be a good idea. What is better ? Some words on a piece of
paper from a surveyor, or photos dated and signed by you and your
neighbour ? Or both ?
That is the question - for you !
A surveyor wouldn't be able to validate the building plans without
employing a structural engineer, which presumably building control
would have wanted anyway.
Simon.

Rob Summers wrote:
tecstar wrote:
My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.


Part of the Party Wall Award that the surveyor will specify should include,
exact plans of the work and schedule of the work as well as a detailed
analysis of the state of the party structure.

How detailed an analysis would you expect ?
Would he come back once plaster is removed to inspect the brickwork ?
What plans would he provide that are not already done for building
control, if the work is being done on full plans ?
Simon.

sm_jamieson wrote:

Rob Summers wrote:
tecstar wrote:
My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft conversion.
Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a surveyor?
Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?
Thanks for your comments.


Part of the Party Wall Award that the surveyor will specify should include,
exact plans of the work and schedule of the work as well as a detailed
analysis of the state of the party structure.

How detailed an analysis would you expect ?

I would expect (but I could be wrong) noting and extent of e.g cracks in the
structure. If they become worse after the work has been done it maybe for
the surveyor to arbitrate on how much each neighbour should pay for the
remedy. It should be noted that if damage does occur to an already damged
strcuture then both parties may have to contribute to the repair.

Would he come back once plaster is removed to inspect the brickwork ?

I would hope so if it's considered important.

What plans would he provide that are not already done for building
control, if the work is being done on full plans ?

AFAIK, and it is very easy to find this on the ODPM website, the full plans
should be provided along with a schedule of works.

Rob

My neighbour wants to draw up our own agreement with photos etc to
avoid the expense of a surveyor, for when he build his loft
conversion. Is this a good idea? What would i be gaining by using a
surveyor?

You have the work checked by an independant expert who will look after your
interests.

Isnt it just about being able to identify any damage caused so my
neighbour can put it right?

It should make sure that the work is designed properly and carried out
according to the plans. If and when you come to sell the property it will be
mcuh easier to sell if can produce all the PWA paperwork

There is no downside from your point of view other than you neighbour may
not be happy because he has to pay.

Peter Crosland