Basement Conversions
Our dedicated team provides comprehensive party wall surveying services specifically tailored for basement conversion projects, ensuring your development proceeds smoothly whilst protecting neighbouring properties.
Specialised Basement Knowledge
With extensive experience in basement projects, we understand the unique challenges of underpinning, excavation and special foundations commonly required in below-ground developments.
Detailed Condition Surveys
Our thorough pre-construction surveys document the existing condition of adjoining properties, providing crucial evidence should disputes arise during your basement conversion works.
Expert Party Wall Notices
Our expert surveyors assist building owners with serving proper notices, negotiating with neighbors, and creating detailed party wall awards that allow your project to proceed smoothly and legally.
Common Party Wall Projects
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions frequently involve work on party walls, requiring proper notices and agreements before construction can begin to protect neighboring properties.
Read moreExtensions
Building extensions typically involve party wall matters, especially when building foundations near boundaries or raising the height of shared walls.
Read moreBasement Conversions
Basement projects carry significant risk to adjoining properties and require comprehensive party wall agreements to prevent damage and address neighbor concerns.
Read MoreOur Step-by-Step Process
Expert Consultation
Our Party Wall Surveying experts guide you through your construction project, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall Act while streamlining the process and minimising disputes.
Serving Notice
We prepare and serve clear, concise, and legally compliant Party Wall Notices, enhancing the chances of gaining consent from your neighbours while outlining the project’s impact.
Surveyor Appointment
If adjoining owners request a surveyor, our skilled Party Wall Surveyors represent your interests and collaborate with others to ensure fair and impartial resolutions for both parties.
Crafting the Party Wall Award
Our surveyors carefully assess proposed works and draft a thorough Party Wall Award, providing you with peace of mind and confidence to move forward with your project.
Monitoring and Ensuring Compliance
Our Party Wall Surveyors monitor construction progress, ensuring compliance with the Party Wall Award, and verifying proper completion without damage to adjoining properties.
Our Clients
Party Wall Basement FAQs
Do I need a Party Wall Agreement for my basement conversion?
Yes, basement conversions typically require Party Wall Agreements as they involve excavation near adjacent properties, underpinning of party walls, and often installation of special foundations which are all notifiable works.
Which sections of the Party Wall Act apply to basement conversions?
Basement conversions generally involve works covered under sections 1, 3, and 6 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, depending on whether you’re building on the boundary, altering party structures, or excavating near neighbouring properties.
How far in advance should I serve Party Wall Notices?
For basement conversions, notices must be served at least 1-2 months before work begins. Section 3 notices (for party structure works) require 2 months’ notice, while section 1 and 6 notices require 1 month.
What is an Adjacent Excavation Notice?
This notice applies when excavating within 3 metres of neighbouring buildings, or within 6 metres if your excavation extends below a line drawn at 45 degrees from the bottom of their foundations—common with basement projects.
What are Special Foundations and why are they important?
Special Foundations are reinforced concrete foundations (typically containing steel mesh or rods) often used in basement conversions. They require specific consent from adjoining owners as they cross the boundary line.
Can my neighbour prevent my basement conversion?
While neighbours cannot outright prevent your development if it complies with planning regulations, they can influence the method and timing through the party wall process, making professional surveyor engagement crucial.
What happens if my neighbours don’t respond to the Party Wall Notice?
If neighbours don’t respond within 14 days of receiving a notice, they are deemed to be in dispute. A Party Wall Award will then need to be prepared by appointed surveyors to resolve the situation.
Why do I need a condition survey before starting work?
A condition survey provides crucial documentation of pre-existing defects in neighbouring properties, protecting you from potentially false claims about damage caused by your basement works.
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National Party Wall Surveying Helpline
020 7493 9087
info@iconsurveyors.co.uk
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