Challenge

Vail Williams was appointed by 12 adjoining owners to act as Party Wall surveyor in respect of the construction of a new medical centre and residential conversion of existing medical centre in London.

We handled matters under the Party Wall Act. The adjacent basement excavation triggered a requirement for monies to be held in escrow and released subject to agreement from both the building and adjoining owners’ surveyor.

How we helped

• Inspected all properties to record 12 schedules of condition, to record the condition prior to building work commencing.
• Agreed 12 Party Wall Awards, one for each adjoining owner.
• Damages caused by construction work would be rectified by the building owner.
• Engaged with adjoining owners and the building owner’s party wall surveyor throughout the works.
• Upon completion, we carried out building inspections to ensure no damage had occurred to adjoining properties.

Result

• Provided third party assurance to adjoining owners throughout the duration of the project, protecting their interests with Party Wall Awards in place.
• Helped the adjoining owners to understand their rights.
• Provided a better understanding of the works being carried out.
• Managed their expectations regarding the building programme.
• Provided a vital line of communication throughout the two-year contruction programme, enabling them to raise concerns at any stage.