Diary of a Party Wall surveyor

Friday 12.00

A reinspection of an Adjoining Owners’ property in Chorleywood.

The Adjoining Owner reported a hairline crack had appeared to one of the walls of their property, following the service of a Party Wall Award in 2024 relating to excavations at the Building Owners’ property next door.

On site I established that the crack is remote from the works, so highly unlikely to have been caused by the excavations.

I explained that the cracking is probably due to thermal movement and is nothing to worry about.

The Adjoining Owners were reassured and I set off for my next appointment.

 

Friday 2.30pm

A new case in Ickenham.

Party Wall notices have been served by the Building Owners, relating to excavations for a rear extension.

The Adjoining Owners’ property was inspected to record a schedule of condition, to provide a clear record of the condition of their property ahead of the excavation works taking place, to be referred to in the event that any damage may be caused by the excavations, although we do not anticipate any issues.

The Adjoining Owners satisfied that their property is not likely to be affected by the proposals, I left for my next appointment.

 

Friday 5.00pm

A meeting with a Building Owner in Harrow.

The notifiable works – removal of chimney breasts from the Party Wall – are complete.

The Adjoining Owners noticed some cracks to the chimney breasts on their side of the Party Wall, and are concerned that they are the result of the works carried out by the Building Owners.

On inspection, it became apparent that the Building Owners had decided not to remove their chimney breasts after all – because they were concerned about the possibility of damage being caused to the Adjoining Owners’ property -  and they remain in place.

Consequently, the cracking cannot have been caused by the removal of the chimney breasts, as this work has not been carried out.

However, there is another crack to the Party Wall on the Adjoining Owners’ side, which corresponds with the location of a wall removed from Building Owners side, and this crack is very likely due to the removal of that wall.

I returned to the office to consider this information and to make a decision on the next steps.

 

If you need help with Party Wall Chorleywood, Party Wall Ickenham, or Party Wall Harrow, then we can help.

 

Call us for a free initial consultation on 01923 920950, or email me david.vizard@woodwardsurveyors.co.uk