tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90787777822203276232024-02-07T06:14:11.376-08:00abp Party Wall Surveyorsabp Chartered Architects - Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin - Bromley ArchitectsTesthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-365394857340143622014-08-14T02:57:00.000-07:002014-08-14T03:12:00.211-07:00General Guidance regarding Party Wall Procedures - for Building Owners - Party Wall etc. Act 1996<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Disclaimer:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Please note that this
general guidance only, and should not be relied on for specific matters or
points of law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">All costs and fees
quoted are approximate and based on current prices based at time of writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB27d1HBVVpTgKFbdd2JzGRXML0KFhKSoiiJlM4PhGQn1cseNpFzQEo3q3PFdRjhAVlibTTsaUu1KRuwMMkhzmTX6pT7Mtqo7Vowq4Jt2QMiKawrsJbYoY5XTQ5IV_2ByWWaAjUdgOlZQd/s1600/Bernard+Humphreyt-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-+02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB27d1HBVVpTgKFbdd2JzGRXML0KFhKSoiiJlM4PhGQn1cseNpFzQEo3q3PFdRjhAVlibTTsaUu1KRuwMMkhzmTX6pT7Mtqo7Vowq4Jt2QMiKawrsJbYoY5XTQ5IV_2ByWWaAjUdgOlZQd/s1600/Bernard+Humphreyt-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-+02.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raised party wall - London<br />
Photograph by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Following points need to
be considered by Building Owners when undertaking building works that come
under the jurisdiction of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 (the “Act”). Please note
that the list below is not exhaustive, as issues could arise differently on
specific cases, and other areas and sections of the Act or case law may become
prevalent:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NB: Party wall surveyors
are meant to be impartial, non-bias and appointed to resolve disputes for
matters under the Act<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1. All building works that come under the “Act”, should allow
for in their budgets the costs for party wall negotiations. For general
guidance only, allow for the following:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Surveyor to the Building Owner (</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">BOS</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1 to 2 hours work per adjoining owner for service of notices. This
would include land registry searches, preparing notices and serving notices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(eg: a
property with five adjoining owners, could have hours serving notices in the
range of 5 to 10 hours work).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">8 to 10 hours works per adjoining owner for party wall
negotiations, preparing Schedule of Condition, the Award and publishing the
Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 90pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(eg: a
property with five adjoining owners, could have party wall negotiations in the
range of 40 to 50 hours work).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">1 to 2 hours works per adjoining owner following publication of
Awards for general issues and sign off, assuming NO damage has occurred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 Surveyor to the Adjoining Owner (</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">AOS</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6 to 10 hours works per adjoining owner for party wall negotiations,
preparing Schedule of Condition, the Award and publishing the Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(nb: an
adjoining owners surveyor that deals with more than one adjoining owner, would
naturally charge more)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The adjoining surveyor would normally have his costs written into
the Award, which would allow for a sign off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes, depending on the nature of the works, an interim visit
would also be costed into the Awards, in such circumstances allow for a further
1 to 2 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Additional fees and costs are always allowed for in the Award for
damage, based on hourly rates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 Hourly rates for party wall surveyors currently vary from:
100 to 150 £/hr generally, although there are some surveyors in London charging
upto £275 £/hr and more. The Act states reasonable costs (thus including the
surveyors fees), which really depends on what is determined as reasonable.
Hence Adjoining Surveyors fees (currently) could range from £600 to £1500 £/hr
per adjoining owner. The fees for the Building Owners surveyors fees are agreed
by contract, and are based on hourly rates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 Hence, projects that have two Adjoining Owners, one each
side (i.e: terraced house) could give rise to the following current party wall
costs (fees):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">BOS = £ 2250 to £ 3000 + VAT (based on my fees at £125 £/hr +VAT )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AOS = £ 1200 to £ 3000 +
VAT (ie: two surveyors)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please note that projects beside flats would have greater number
of adjoining owners and the costs (fees) would reflect this, although my fees
are mitigated slightly by duplication of Awards etc, but they normally are higher
especially if each adjoining owner decides to use their own surveyor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2. Schedule of Conditions (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">SOC</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Schedule of Conditions are not a
requirement or obligation under the Act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 It would be upto the party wall surveyors to determine the
dispute and any damage that may result as a result of the undertaking of the
works. Hence, it is prima facia evidence that damage has occurred if it can be compared
to a SOC that has been undertaken, and normally placed in the Award prior to
the works starting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 The surveyors would not normally wish to do a SOC for areas
that appear remote from the works, or the works involved are of a minor nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 Just because the SOC has not recorded an area that was later
claimed to be damaged, this does not remove the obligation for putting right
that damage by the Building Owner (</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">BO</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">).
It is down to the surveyors under the Act to determine whether the damage was
as a result of the works, quite often it is assumed that it is, unless some
other compelling evidence can be given to the contrary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.5 If the nature of the works change in any way, then the
Building Owner should inform the surveyors, as what was previously not considered
within the SOC may now need to be included.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">3. All building works that come under the “Act”, <u>should allow</u>
for the possibility of damage.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 It is not easy to assess costs prior to the damage occurring,
as this will depend on the damage that has resulted from the works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 It is the responsibility of the Building Owner to either pay
for, or get the damage put right. i.e: The Building Owner, cannot claim that
they are awaiting costs or insurance pay out from the contractor prior to
putting the damage right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 It is within the rights of the adjoining owners to ask for
money in lieu payments. This is normally written within the Award as a reminder
of this right under the Act. It is becoming more frequent that the adjoining
owners are preferring to ask for money in lieu, instead of having the
contractor who undertook the works and (in their eyes) caused the damage, to
undertake the repairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 Surveyors costs will be charged at an hourly rate, so
protracting or delaying the issue of dealing with the damage could only incur
additional costs (fees).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.5 Normally, a schedule of damage and making good is undertaken
by the surveyors at additional costs (fees).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.6 Normally the adjoining owners get their own prices in for
the surveyors to agree. I always want three quotes to be given. I do like the
Building Owner to arrange for another independent person to quote. The prices
for making good have to be reasonable, and therefore I generally find that the
contractor that caused the damage can never really provide a reasonable cost to
put it right, after all we are looking at money in lieu, and not for him to put
it right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.7 Normally, it is better to agree amicably the payment in lieu,
otherwise another Award will be written to determine this, and upheld in the
courts if necessary, and thereby causing additional costs and fees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">4. It is advisable that the works to be undertaken under the
“Act” are clearly defined on the drawings.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Confusing drawings, with discrepancies or which are poorly coordinated
will cause a lack of confidence in the works that are to be undertaken. This
will cause additional time by the surveyors and it will be reflected in the
fees charged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 Also certain types of structural work (i.e: underpinning,
piling etc), could result in additional costs (fees) from the adjoining
surveyors appointing independent structural engineers to check the proposals.
It is the design structural engineer's responsibility to come up with proposals
that are best suited for structural work in relation to the Party Wall Act that
and would best suit their client.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 The Awards need to reflect the actual works to be
undertaken. Any changes in the proposed works may require new or additional
notices, and/or agreements and/or Awards. Hence, the surveyors should be informed
of any intended changes immediately. Again this will be reflected in the costs
(fees) of the surveyors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 It is not the job or the responsibility of the surveyors to
undertake the design. Their responsibility is to resolve the dispute (or deemed
dispute) between the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner (</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">AO</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">), as result of the
proposed works shown on the Notices (i.e: with drawings attached), or that has
been undertaken in pursuant of the Act (whether a notice has been served or not),
in order to determine damage or other matters (eg: security, enclosure costs
etc)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">5. Site plans, indicating adjoining buildings / adjoining
owners.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 It would be very useful if all designers provide a "to
scale" drawing indicating the site boundaries, boundary walls, boundary
party walls and nearby buildings, including those to the rear and sides, and
the exact location of the proposed works related to these other structures and
buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 It would be very useful if the Building Owner or the design
team discover as much out as possible as regards the adjoining properties and
owners, as this will save time and costs in the serving of notices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">6. Special foundations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1
These are basically reinforced
foundations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 It appears to be common practice in basement works, that the
structural engineer proposes special foundations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 The Building Owner has no right to place special foundations
on the adjoining owners land without written consent to do so by the adjoining
owner. If consent is not given then the foundation works need to be undertaken
using wider, mass filled foundations without reinforcements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 If special foundations are allowed, and the adjoining owner
subsequently decides to undertake their own works to which the special
foundations cause additional costs, then the Adjoining Owners can claim for
these costs against the Building Owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">7. Enclosure costs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 If the adjoining owner had already extended the party wall,
either raised it or even lowered it (i.e: basement construction), then the
building owner shall pay for the privilege of using it (enclosing upon it).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 Enclosure costs are based on half of the current price to
construct the wall (due proportion).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 Building Owners should view this enclosure costs as a
benefit, as they have avoided in having to build the wall themselves at full
cost. They are only paying for half the costs in doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">8. Third Surveyor (</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">TS</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Either party (BO or AO) or the surveyors appointed can call
upon the Third Surveyor to resolve matters that cannot be agreed on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 Approaching the TS is quite often used to determine the fees
of the AOS, if they appear to be unreasonable. However, a well-formed time
sheet (or identification of his/her hours used), normally shows whether the
surveyor is being reasonable in his/her fees. The BOS fees are agreed by
contract and are therefore not part of the Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 BOS or AOS, must get approval from their appointing owners
prior to calling on the TS, as there are likely to be high costs in resolving
the disputed matters. TS fees are currently in the region of £250 to £300 per
hour + VAT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4
The TS requires to be paid before
he determines the dispute by way of Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">9. Awards<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Both the BO and AO can appeal any Award made by the surveyors
(including the TS) in county court, within 14 days following its publication.
Therefore, it is important to understand the Award and its conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 The Award and the Act would not allow any deviation from the
works shown in drawings within the Award, without prior approval.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 Once the 14 days have lapsed, the Award, which is a legal
document is conclusive, the conditions of which can be upheld in court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">10. Security for expenses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.1 Following a recent court case, Kaye v Lawerence (2010),
security for expenses are becoming a more common request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.2 Security is a financial burden placed on the Building Owner,
upon serve of notice by the Adjoining Owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.3 If the amount of security cannot be agreed then this is a
dispute that can be resolved by the surveyors by way of Award. This would incur
additional costs (fees) for the surveyors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.4 Also, with the current economic climate, I imagine security
will start to be almost common practice. Adjoining Owners do not want to have
the problem of the party wall being exposed and left open, as the contractor or
even building owner goes bankrupt without some method of remedying the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">11. Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I hope the above general points help the Building Owners, in order
to identify the areas, especially costs that needs to be considered and built
into any building works that are beside and adjoining other properties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The best way for the Building Owner to look at the Act, is as an enabling
Act that gives certain rights that under common law would not be permitted
(i.e: trespass). If you can also imagine that it is also meant to be a
neighbourly Act that protects and compensates Adjoining Owners' properties from
potential and actual damage, without having to take matters to court under a civil
action, where matters can get really expensive. ( Recent case law:
Jones-Lovegrove v Ruth-Ruth (2011) )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Disclaimer:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Please note that this
general guidance only, and should not be relied on for specific matters or
points of law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">All costs and fees
quoted are approximate and based on current prices based at time of writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Links to my websites</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://partywallsurveyors.uk.com/" target="_blank">http://partywallsurveyors.uk.com/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.abpriba.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.abpriba.co.uk/index.html</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.030000686645508px;">Almost complete - Extension - Croydon, UK - designed by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin principal of abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ) , Bromley architects. </span></div>
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Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-6170097641397261982014-03-17T15:23:00.003-07:002014-05-20T10:01:46.073-07:00Why do many architects dislike the Party Wall etc Act 1996? by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ), Bromley architects<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBxIVgDe4EGVj8hj8qh0TC74r2Dj8BPNufi-38o20p7uOObIZ32ATmPC5N6FIRZOUKQlK43hSYkQu3wGpCUuTRVsGlqn58IDvnnKf3nY27OtdhOBrad1DEV7_BT0mBO3a3-Ag0ur4_yn/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLBxIVgDe4EGVj8hj8qh0TC74r2Dj8BPNufi-38o20p7uOObIZ32ATmPC5N6FIRZOUKQlK43hSYkQu3wGpCUuTRVsGlqn58IDvnnKf3nY27OtdhOBrad1DEV7_BT0mBO3a3-Ag0ur4_yn/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-03.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposure of existing foundations, during party wall negotiations<br />
by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Chartered Architects<br />
( abp Architects ) , Bromley architects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why do many architects dislike the Party Wall etc Act 1996? by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Chartered Architects, ( abp Architects ), Bromley architects</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>The
short answer: “money for old rope”</b></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I suppose the short answer is that the Act is perceived generally by architects as
an unnecessary piece of legislation that is only there to fill the pockets of
surveyors with no real benefit to neither their client nor the neighbour. The most common phrase used is “money for old
rope”. Architects also consider that some
surveyors dealing with the Act, charge fairly large and exorbitant fees, normally based on an hourly rate and well
in excess of what they as architects can charge their own clients. Furthermore,
this fee becomes legally tied into an Award which enforces their clients to pay
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Yes,
the perception is all about the money and not really if the services undertaken
by the party wall surveyors actually helps the architect’s clients (the building
owners) or even protects the neighbours interests (the adjoining owners). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>The
poor perception: “money grabbing” &
“cash cows”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Working
as both a party wall surveyor and an architect I see both sides of the story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Some
party wall surveyors have given the unfortunate impression of “money grabbing” individuals
who are only thinking of their own pockets and who are not interested in
resolving a dispute, or following the principles of the Act or even considering
the practical purposes of the Act as long as they get paid. I have also come across situations where some surveyors will even try
to encourage further disputes under the Act in order to use the building owners
as a “cash cow” for further fees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Such
a perception is not good for any of the professionals who deal with matters
laid out in the Act whether they are structural
engineers, solicitors, surveyors or architects because it detracts from the real purposes of
the Party Wall etc Act 1996. The Act is
there to help facilitate people to undertake building works that may affect their
neighbours. It is therefore there to provide a statutory framework that resolves
disputes without the need to take the matters to the Courts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Architects
and designers already have quite a lot of frustrating legislation, from
“unfair” planning decisions to “awkward” building regulation requirements. Therefore, to have to deal with another piece
of legislation that further hampers and quite often protracts a project, is
never really going to be welcomed, especially as it appears to be “administered”
by yet another professional that has no connection with the local authorities
or government departments and who is generally an individual who is not too far
removed from their own profession as an architect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It
is not a good idea” for the agent to work as a party wall surveyor in my
opinion.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, although I
am aware there are some party wall surveyors and other construction
professionals that still think it is acceptable to provide party wall services for their clients’ building works in
order to save them money (that is the excuse I have been given). In my opinion,
“it is not a good idea”. I have never provided
both the services of an architect and party wall surveyor on the same job. I believe it is a conflict of interests and such
an approach cannot really serve the client.
Furthermore, any professional providing this "double" service could put their
client in a precarious position, if matters get complicated and courts become
involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> As I am not the agent for the persons
undertaking the works (building owners) I can be quite open and direct with
regards to their obligations and those of the adjoining owners. It also makes it easier for me to consult
with the design team and to deal with any issues that are preventing the
resolution of a dispute. Furthermore, I
am sometimes appointed as an agreed surveyor, because most adjoining owners can
see that I am independent of the building owners and I am acting totally within
the remit of the Act without any self-interests or other motives that could be obstructing
my duties under the Act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Encouraging
architects / designers to see the benefits of the Act: “being positive”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
order to encourage architects into seeing the benefits of the Act I normally
have to enlighten them on the various aspects of the Act that can actually help
with the works and in turn their own clients (the building owners). There are rights of enclosures (or more
precisely making use of works previously undertaken by the adjoining owners), that
can save the building owner money on having to do something that has already
been done and only paying for half the costs in doing so. The rights of access are quite often
overlooked, and when this is used in a positive way it can actually help both
parties in getting a better job, (i.e: a decent brickwork face with proper
pointing).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">As
for my counterpart surveyors, I am sometimes in a situation of having to remind
them of their responsibility of their appointment under the Act, in that, it is
the duty of the appointed surveyors to resolve the disputes rather than
perpetuate them or start new ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Architects
appointed as party wall surveyors: “who
understands the Act fairly well”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
am often appointed as the building owners’ surveyor, initially to serve the
notices on their behalf and then to resolve the dispute that may follow. I am sometimes confronted with surveyors who
think because I am a chartered member of the Royal Institute of British
Architects and it is written as such on my letter headed paper that, firstly, I
am the architect working on my own project and secondly, that I do not know a
thing about the Act itself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On
the first of these points I have already explained the reasons above as to why
I do not consider it wise or even clever to take on the duties of a party wall
surveyor on one’s own architectural jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On
the second point, I am often in a situation of trying to demonstrate that I am a
professional person “who understands the Act fairly well”. it does not really matter how long one has
been dealing with party wall issues, but on how effective one is, although I
have been dealing with matters under Act for over two decades. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
first give away that my counterpart surveyor has not really got a grip on the
Act, is when they refer to their “appointing owners” as “clients”. This is often a good indication that the
surveyor “may” have a vested interest in the outcome of the resolution of the
dispute. How this vested interest
manifests itself can be in a number of ways, from the fees claimed to the
overall handling of the dispute and trying to get the best “deal” for his/her “clients”. In such circumstances I am loathed to allow
the surveyor to handle matters in my absence, as I would be concerned about his/hers
so called impartiality in dealing with the matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Adjoining
Owner Surveyor is sometimes an:
“ambulance chaser”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
have been in situations where the adjoining owners’ surveyor has been appointed
before the service of the notice. As a
result, I am then having to get the surveyor to be properly appointed once the
notice is served. Furthermore I disallow
them from charging their time prior to the service of notice, as no dispute
under the Act could have been in existence before the issuing of the notices. These surveyors are normally defined as “ambulance
chasers”. They are the types that scour the planning lists and promote
themselves as party wall experts to the adjoining owners and inform the adjoining
owners that all their fees would be paid by the building owners. They will often encourage disputes by frightening
the adjoining owners, stating that all sorts of calamities are going to befall
them as a result of the works happening next door, and they will need their
help to protect them. In such situations
it is vital that an agreement on the third surveyor is reached as soon as
possible, before anything else happens. Unfortunately, this type of party wall
surveyors exist and can bring the Party Wall etc Act into disrepute as well as
focus our attention away from the purposes of the Act. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">However,
let us look on the bright side, as there are quite a few decent party wall
surveyors who understand that they are there to represent both parties and
resolve the disputes fairly. I am always
happy to appoint such surveyors for adjoining owners who did not respond to a ten
day requests to appoint their own party wall surveyor following the serving of notices. Furthermore, I am happy for such surveyors to
conclude the schedule of conditions, or where necessary the awards on my behalf,
if I am detained or otherwise engaged on
other matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>The
Party Wall etc Act 1996: “has benefits”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
order for the Party Wall etc Act 1996 to work and be promoted as a decent way
of dealing with the legal issues surrounding it, those administering it have to
behave appropriately and explain it accordingly to all parties, the architects,
designers, building owners and adjoining owners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Architects,
designers and their clients need to feel reassured that the Act “has benefits”,
even if those benefits are simply a way of recording the state of affairs next
door prior to the building works starting and providing a reasonable way of
determining if any damage has resulted from the works that have taken place and
thereby avoiding the possibility of employing solicitors and incurring court
fees, etc. If we, as reasonable
professionals cannot get this right, then unfortunately it will be the
solicitors and courts that will take on board these issues instead. There are points of law and case laws that happen
anyway because of the complexity of some situations that can arise from the Act, but these
should be the rarity rather than the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With
regards the adjoining owners, it must be demonstrated to them that the Act
allows for certain rights and obligations from the person undertakng the works. It should be emphasised to them that the Act should
not be used as another “stick to hit” the neighbour with because they did not
like the idea of works happening next door in the first instance. It is up to
the adjoining surveyors to explain this to the adjoining owners and that their
remit can only deal with matters under the Act.
The key word here is “impartiality”, and the adjoining surveyors should
be willing to show that they are “impartial”.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Appointed
Surveyors have: “a duty of care, to both parties”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
one instance when I was appointed as an adjoining owners surveyor I was getting
demands from the building owners surveyor to explain to him what was in dispute
and to catalogue it, as he was trying to suggest a dispute could not be legitimate
if I could not do this. I referred him
back to the Act and that it was a deemed dispute and we need to resolve this by
ensuring the notifiable works are dealt with by acknowledging (determining)
them in an Award. These types of abuses,
misrepresentation and misunderstandings of the Act do not help either party and
give a bad impression of the Act for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Party
Wall Surveyors need to: “keep it real” and “play ball”</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><br /></b></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So,
how can we as party wall surveyors “keep it real” and ensure that we get a
better reputation? Although I do not
believe you can make anybody happy to pay for another piece of legislation that
they feel is burdensome and unnecessary, there has to be a way of making
building owners aware of the benefits of the Act other than the Act to be used
as another stick to hit them with. It
also depends on the way the adjoining owners are advised and approached by their
own surveyors. The adjoining surveyors
have a big responsibility in communicating the aspects of the Act that affect
their appointing owners and they should certainly not be looking at the building
owners as “cash cows”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Firstly,
the surveyors need to be clear on what they are appointed for. They are there to resolve a dispute or deemed
dispute following a service of a notice for the notifiable works only. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Secondly, the surveyors need to keep to their
remit and not get involved in matters that are outside the Act. I have on many occasions advised my
appointing owners (adjoining or building owners) when certain matters are
outside my remit and therefore I cannot be involved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Thirdly, the surveyors need to be reasonable
on their fees, as they should know how long things normally take and therefore
should not overdo it. They need to
remember that they are there to resolve disputes and ensure that the notifiable
works are clearly established in the determination and Awarded as such. It is understood that additional works,
recording damage and delays from the design team will cause additional time and
thereby should be paid for, but encouraging additional work that is outside the
surveyors remit, is clearly not “playing ball”.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lastly
but not least, surveyors need to explain to their appointing owners their
liabilities as and when they become apparent (this is not always clear on first
receipt and inspection of the drawings).
They also need to advise them on any opportunities that they may take
advantage of, i.e: enclosure opportunities, access to neighbouring land etc. to
name just a few. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>abp
Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ) , Bromley architects</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Background: Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin is an architect and party wall surveyor with over 25 years experience
and a member of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club.
He also gives talks to other chartered architects on behalf of the RIBA
South East.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Legal
Notice: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">This is for general discussion and guidance
only and should not be relied upon for specific matters or points of law. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.05pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also see Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Chartered Architects website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.abpriba.co.uk/">http://www.abpriba.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also see Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Party Wall surveyors website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://partywallsurveyors.uk.com/">http://partywallsurveyors.uk.com/</a><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">abp
Architects ( Bromley architects ) - Practice Profile</span></span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA6JNJskzZCnmTdHC8nV_ttLJQzCUwiPlYniG_bsjLaFfmjaGpuoQXsn7225rAgRgjTQUYMKl6CQdbNDMDrVj-Lh_bH1im040BIn7Z3YMjl4r797gKOSXgml4IuDndEzOl4wQIhzv5V4a/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+-+abp+Chartered+Architects+-+Bromley+architects+-+Sports+Building++(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA6JNJskzZCnmTdHC8nV_ttLJQzCUwiPlYniG_bsjLaFfmjaGpuoQXsn7225rAgRgjTQUYMKl6CQdbNDMDrVj-Lh_bH1im040BIn7Z3YMjl4r797gKOSXgml4IuDndEzOl4wQIhzv5V4a/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+-+abp+Chartered+Architects+-+Bromley+architects+-+Sports+Building++(7).jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Sports Centre <br />
designed by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin<br />
of abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ) , Bromley architects</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin
is the principal of abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ), Bromley
architects. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin
works with his wife Maria Humphrey-Gaskin.
Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin qualified as an architect in 1987. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has a vast experience
in the design and construction on various building types. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has worked for
notable practices such as RHWL, The Property Services Agency and WS Atkins.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin has run his own architectural business since 1991, and has worked
in the educational, commercial and residential sectors. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has experience in
theatre projects. ecological and green design projects. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin is also an experienced party wall surveyor and is a
member of the Pyramus &amp; Thisbe Club.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin’s other interests and activities include web design, making
home movies and is a member of the internet based chess team “The Black
Stallion International Chess Team”. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin was also a
Croydon school governor for over 12 years and is still involved with
independent school appeal panels for the London Borough of Croydon.
Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has also been an active member of the
architectural advisory design panel (TAP), for the London Borough of Bromley
planning department for a number of years.
Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has recently been elected as chairperson of the
RIBA Croydon, Bromley &amp; Sutton branch.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin works closely with his wife Maria Humphrey-Gaskin at abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects ) as a well organised
husband and wife team. Maria
Humphrey-Gaskin is also architecturally trained and apart from taking part in
the running of the practice as the Practice Manager, she also deals with the
measured survey work, and initial design stages of various projects.
Maria Humphrey-Gaskin (nee Stylianou) also speaks fluent Greek.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">ABP Chartered
Architects ( abp Architects ) provides a professional service, from inception to completion.
ABP Chartered Architects undertake the designs, planning and building
regulation applications, and contract administration for all types of jobs from
small domestic works to larger commercial projects. ABP Chartered
Architects ( abp Architects - Bromley architects ) are quality assured to ISO 9001.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool house - Bickley - designed by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin <br />
of abp Chartered architects, Bromley architects</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin and Maria Humphrey-Gaskin of abp Chartered Architects ( abp Architects - Bromley architects ), works with clients to create good architecture and buildings --
to get it built !!!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-87072649643200233002014-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:002014-02-12T15:17:35.370-08:00Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin's next talk on the party wall legislation, is taking place at Woking, on 15th May 2014<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin principal of abp Chartered Architects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin is an experienced party wall surveyor and a long time member of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin
has also given a number of talks (CPD events) to other RIBA </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">architects about
the Party Wall legislation, with reference to the Party Wall etc Act 1996.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin's next talk on the party wall legislation, is taking place at Woking, on 15th May 2014. See the link to the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) website: <a href="http://www.architecture.com/RegionsAndInternational/UKNationsAndRegions/England/RIBASouth/WhatsOn/Seminars/2014/PartyWall-Woking.aspx#.UvZPtmJ_tWW" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i><b>Party Walls : Woking</b></i></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a matter of interest, if you are building owner as defined under the Party Wall etc Act 1996, please feel free to download Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin's own practical guidance from abp Chartered Architects' party wall website: <a href="http://partywallsurveyors.uk.com/Party_Wall_etc._Act_1996_-_abp%20guidance%20for%20Building%20Owners.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i><b>Guidance for building owners</b></i></span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxWqu0gySB2i7yhIRi_zniUc8WO4C0FCoNlojgbawHKrQsV69FvRQVN0MJoD8Te_gHFEgcRjjk6JKKgpR5f5ITJes_sSX7cpK6E8DmlH5UazxRwK8ipc3PfeDnwLQR2XzmCbDpNfHKDVO/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxWqu0gySB2i7yhIRi_zniUc8WO4C0FCoNlojgbawHKrQsV69FvRQVN0MJoD8Te_gHFEgcRjjk6JKKgpR5f5ITJes_sSX7cpK6E8DmlH5UazxRwK8ipc3PfeDnwLQR2XzmCbDpNfHKDVO/s1600/Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin+abp+Architects+Party+Wall+Surveyor+-01.JPG" height="240" title="Party Fence Wall - Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.5pt;">abp
Architects - Practice Profile</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEuHjc3DJELNvtsghK3yTyDF2JzO_8mReambzasKDKIBLbjoZOXrtMhAFX0wxAOoZc9XY6AIllgJM8UiYPJm2cBR83QazjVAedgEvZXm7IPOx3nsDNCPTtaITYEZx44Ez6zWmhbOvrZEG/s1600/2012-03-05+12.37.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEuHjc3DJELNvtsghK3yTyDF2JzO_8mReambzasKDKIBLbjoZOXrtMhAFX0wxAOoZc9XY6AIllgJM8UiYPJm2cBR83QazjVAedgEvZXm7IPOx3nsDNCPTtaITYEZx44Ez6zWmhbOvrZEG/s1600/2012-03-05+12.37.04.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extension Beckenham, Kent<br />Design by Maria & Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin<br />abp Chartered Architects, Bromley architects</td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin is the principal of abp Chartered Architects.
Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin works with his wife Maria Humphrey-Gaskin. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin qualified as an architect in 1987. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin has a vast experience in the design and construction on various
building types and has worked for notable practices such as RHWL, The Property
Services Agency and WS Atkins.</span><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin has run his own architectural business since 1991, and has
worked in the educational, commercial and residential sectors. He also
has experience in theatre projects. ecological and green design projects.
Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin is also an experienced party wall surveyor
and is a member of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club.</span><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin’s other interests and activities include web design, making
home movies and is a member of the internet based chess team “The Black
Stallion International Chess Team”. He was also a Croydon school governor
for over 12 years and is still involved with independent school appeal panels
for the London Borough of Croydon. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has also been
an active member of the architectural advisory design panel (TAP), for the
London Borough of Bromley planning department for a number of years. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin has recently been elected as chairperson of the RIBA Croydon,
Bromley & Sutton branch.</span><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin works closely with his wife Maria Humphrey-Gaskin as a well
organised husband and wife team. Maria Humphrey-Gaskin is also architecturally
trained and apart from taking part in the running of the practice as the
Practice Manager, she also deals with the measured survey work, and initial
design stages of various projects. Maria Humphrey-Gaskin (nee Stylianou)
also speaks fluent Greek.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;">ABP Chartered
Architects provides a professional service, from inception to completion. ABP Chartered Architects undertake the
designs, planning and building regulation applications, and contract
administration for all types of jobs from small domestic works to larger
commercial projects. ABP Chartered
Architects are quality assured to ISO 9001.</span></blockquote>
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Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-69510553590180028702014-01-09T18:06:00.002-08:002014-02-12T15:21:45.671-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt;">abp
Architects - Practice Profile <o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_91WX7CWszcDFVjgTVagAVRDSiriWCi7E22-q7zknAJ4boNJ6Xt4a2HWiV1BVhfep8Y5BWHUtbK6ol1zYC9G3cztg3dQhyQYCtehafqISkr8KEIbPAAfEXvKAkgy974pOrMobLHQlp4t6/s1600/Nursing+Home+abp+Architect+Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_91WX7CWszcDFVjgTVagAVRDSiriWCi7E22-q7zknAJ4boNJ6Xt4a2HWiV1BVhfep8Y5BWHUtbK6ol1zYC9G3cztg3dQhyQYCtehafqISkr8KEIbPAAfEXvKAkgy974pOrMobLHQlp4t6/s1600/Nursing+Home+abp+Architect+Bernard+Humphrey-Gaskin.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">70 bed nursing home - Bickley, Kent<br />Designed by Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin<br />of abp Chartered Architects, Bromley architects</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin is the principal
of abp Chartered Architects. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin works with his wife
Maria Humphrey-Gaskin. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin qualified as an architect in
1987, and has a vast experience in the design and construction on various
building types and has worked for notable practices such as RHWL, The Property
Services Agency and WS Atkins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has run his own
architectural business since 1991. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin has worked in the educational, commercial and residential
sectors. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin also has experience in theatre projects.
ecological and green design projects. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin is
also an experienced party wall surveyor and is a member of the
Pyramus & Thisbe Club.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin’s other interests
and activities include web design, making home movies and is a member of the
internet based chess team “The Black Stallion International Chess Team”. Bernard
Humphrey-Gaskin was also a Croydon school governor for over 12 years and is
still involved with independent school appeal panels for the London Borough of
Croydon. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has also been an active member of the
architectural advisory design panel (TAP), for the London Borough of Bromley
planning department for a number of years. Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin has recently
been elected as chairperson of the RIBA Croydon, Bromley & Sutton branch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard Humphrey-Gaskin works closely
with his wife Maria Humphrey-Gaskin as a well organised husband and wife team.
Maria Humphrey-Gaskin is also architecturally trained and apart from taking
part in the running of the practice as the Practice Manager, she also deals
with the measured survey work, and initial design stages of various projects.
Maria Humphrey-Gaskin (nee Stylianou) also speaks fluent Greek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-59632077126056687192011-01-29T05:28:00.000-08:002014-04-17T15:19:18.526-07:00Party Wall Matters – interesting issue – No.3I recently bumped into an old acquaintance (adjoining owner) that had issues with building works next door to him. My old acquaintance related the following story to me:<br />
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1. He was notified of the neighbouring excavation and foundation works, under section 6 of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 (“the Act”). He appointed his own surveyor (adjoining owners’ surveyor), whilst his neighbour retained his own surveyor (building owners’ surveyor). <br />
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2. Under the requirements of the “Act”, both surveyors had selected a “Third Surveyor”, who in this instance was a very experienced and notable fellow of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club.<br />
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3. The works proceeded under an Award drafted by the two surveyors (adjoining and building owners).<br />
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4. However, there was damage to the adjoining owners’ property, as a direct result of the foundation works.<br />
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5. The building owners’ surveyor decided that he did not want to be involved in determining the extent of the damage, or even agree a financial settlement. The adjoining owners’ own surveyor stated that he had never been in this situation before, and therefore did not know how to deal with the issues.<br />
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My old acquaintance was now in a quandary, and did not know what to do.<br />
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It was very simple to deal with, but did require a certain amount of knowledge of the “Act”, which with all due respect these two surveyors obviously lacked.<br />
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My first suggestion to him was to get his (adjoining owners) surveyor to deal with the damage under a new Award, and also get his surveyor to appoint a structural engineer to monitor the damage over a period of time. All the (reasonable) costs and fees can been written in the new Award, that can be issued onto the Building Owner, exparte if necessary if the Building Owners own surveyor does not want to deal with the matter.<br />
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My second suggestion to him was that if his own (adjoining owners) surveyor found it difficult to deal with, for whatever reason, he can appoint the Third surveyor himself directly, in order to determine the damage. This procedure under the “Act” is rarely used, possibly because it requires the respective owners (building & adjoining) to have a certain understanding of the “Act”<br />
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I wished him well with his endeavours, and maybe when he bumps into me again in the future he will tell me of the outcome. <br />
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Disclaimer: It is important to remind everyone that the comments I make in this blog are my opinion, and should not be used as a basis of any legal definition or enactment, and the reader is advised to take their own legal advice for matters relating to their own circumstances.Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-46206003732285290642010-11-27T07:06:00.000-08:002014-04-17T15:22:38.210-07:00Party Wall Matters – No.2 - Section 6(3)I recently attended a Pyramus & Thisbe Club lunch, at my branch. A discussion was started about Section 6 (3) of the Party Wall etc Act 1996.<br />
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It appears that the club was divided under the opinion that the Building Owner, the person(s) undertaking the works has a legal right to underpin the neighbours’ property in order to facilitate their building works. It appears that some eminent surveyors are in agreement with this.<br />
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However, I disagree with this opinion. If you actually read the clause of the Act that this refers to, it appears very clear, that both conditions of “<em>may</em>”, and “<em>and if required by the adjoining owner</em>”, must be happening for any such action to take place. So unless the adjoining owner is in agreement with the underpinning, no such works can take place, or should take place. Hence, it is not even upto the party wall surveyors to take such determinations, and certainly not without discussing it with their respective owners, and possibly involving a structural engineer or two to make sure that it is necessary. However, the final say on the possibility of it happening remains, as it should in my opinion, with the adjoining owner, under the “<em>and if required</em>” statement under the Act.<br />
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I have provided the extract from the Act so all can see:<br />
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“ Section 6 (3) The building owner may, and if required by the adjoining owner shall, at his own expense underpin or otherwise strengthen or safeguard the foundations of the building or structure of the adjoining owner so far as may be necessary.” Crown Copyright<br />
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I am glad I got this off my chest. However, I feel it is important to remind everyone that the comments I make in this blog are my opinion, and should not be used as a basis of any legal definition or enactment, and the reader is advised to take their own legal advice for matters relating to their own circumstances.Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078777782220327623.post-84689189821339559972010-11-06T07:15:00.000-07:002014-04-17T15:23:12.899-07:00Party Wall Matters – the tricky stuff – No.1It sometimes becomes very difficult to undertake my duties under the Party Wall etc Act 1996, basically because of the misunderstandings of one of the parties, or both parties, as to what my role under the Act actually is.<br />
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I currently have a situation, where the Adjoining Owner, is principally wasting my time in getting me to explain every action I take. I wonder why he bothered to appoint me to start with. I am at the point of telling him that he is impeding my duties, and that if he wishes to continue to waste my time I want him to confirm that he will pay my fees in doing so. Hopefully that will stop him from wasting my time any further.<br />
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The duties of a party wall surveyor are specifically narrow under the Act. This Adjoining Owner is now claiming that I agreed certain matters during a site visit, under some spurious notion that he recorded all the statements and had a witness to this. Talk about making life difficult. I had to refute his statements, and informed him I only make agreements or statements in writing in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Why is it some individuals (as I have been there before), think that a professional person would make such verbal agreements? I simply do not do that, it’s not part of my codes of conduct to do such things. In this particular case, he was making similar inaccurate assertions about other parties, earlier on, so I assume it has something to do with how he perceives matters.<br />
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It’s very simple really, the Act is designed for party wall surveyors to determine matters in an Award, and that this is only way either of the Owners (Building or Adjoining), can argue the content of what the surveyors determine. Thereby there are no verbal agreements recognised under the Act. <br />
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Next time... after this rant... I will explain a little more about the Party Wall procedures, and what it is all about.Testhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04310534337199813367noreply@blogger.com0