Building Surveying & Party Wall Survey Consultancy

Building Surveying Consultancy

We are experts at surveying buildings to inform investment and maintenance decisions. As the legislative landscape becomes increasingly complex, our deep expertise can help you navigate the practical aspects of owning, maintaining, refurbishing, developing and investing in residential and commercial property.

Our building surveyor consultants are trained in the structured and methodical inspection of buildings and the built environment with particular regard to measurement, condition, dilapidations and defects. Building surveying is one of the core services delivered by our integrated property and construction consultancy.

At Fgerod & Fgerod, we also provide industry compliant level 1, 2 & 3 surveys which are the health checks that details a property’s condition and structure. If you are buying a home, you can choose between the various levels of survey:

• Level 1 - Condition Survey: This survey provides a brief assessment of the property’s condition to give an overview of its current state. This is very concise and so are really only suited to modern properties that appear to be in good condition.

• Level 2- HomeBuyer Survey: This survey provides a visual inspection of areas that are reasonably accessible. The survey looks for serious problems that are readily evident, but does not go into detail on the structural integrity of the property. If your property is fairly new, conventionally built and appears to be in good condition, then guidelines recommend a HomeBuyer survey.

• Level 3 - Full Building Survey / Full Structural Survey: This is the most comprehensive survey on the market. A level 3 survey will provide a comprehensive assessment of the structure and condition of the property including estimated costs of any repairs that are required. Industry guidelines recommend level 3 survey if your property is old, run-down, large or has unusual features. This type of survey is also recommended if you plan to do any significant work to the property.

Other services we provide include:

• Measured surveys and schedule of condition
• Carry out feasibility and dilapidation studies.
• Advise on boundary and rights of light disputes and party wall procedures.
• Insurance reinstatement assessments
• Planned maintenance programmes
• Technical due diligence and pre-acquisition surveys
• Determine the condition of existing buildings, identifying and analysing defects, including proposals for repair.
• Deal with planning applications and advising on property legislation and building regulations.
• Advise on management and supervision of maintenance of buildings
• Advise clients on schemes and projects and determining requirements.
• Prepare documents for tender and advising on appointing contractors, designers and procurement routes.
• Project management and contract administration 

Party Wall Survey Consultancy

We undertake all professional party wall surveyor work under The Party Wall etc Act 1996 including:

• Party Wall surveyor appointments from building owners and adjoining owners
• Schedules of condition on buildings
• Section 8 rights of access under the Party Wall etc Act 1996

The Party Wall Act 1996 is often overlooked by parties carrying out development work.  For many, this piece of legislation is only learned of when they are just about to start work on site or when they have already begun. This can cause problems for both the person(s) undertaking the building works (known as the Building Owner) and also for the neighbour(s) to the person undertaking the work (known as the Adjoining Owner). The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 makes it mandatory for building owners to serve notices on their neighbours when:

• Building on or near towards a boundary line.
• Making alterations or other works to a wall or structure built on the boundary line.
• Excavating near a boundary to a neighbour’s property.

At Fgerod & Fgerod, we can apply our skills to provide services at a competitive rate by:

• Helping you to determine if the planned works fall under The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
• Helping you to serve notice to all parties, attaching all relevant information and a full report of the intended proposals.
• Helping you to reply to Party Wall notices, as well as counter-notices where required.
• Acting as an impartial agreed surveyor if the parties can appoint a joint surveyor.