Blogs
Why Earlier EWS1 Forms May Now Be Invalid — And How Tayross Helped Set Things Right
Wednesday 2nd July 2025
In the wake of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the introduction of PAS 9980:2022, the landscape of fire risk appraisal for external wall systems has fundamentally shifted. What was once considered a valid EWS1 form under earlier…
Can the Adjoining Owner Refuse the Building Owner’s Decorator?
Wednesday 2nd July 2025
When construction works trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, issues around “making good” any damage caused can quickly become contentious—particularly when it comes to aesthetic reinstatement. One question we are often asked at Tayross Associates is: Can the Adjoining Owner…
Can a Building Owner Remove My Gutter? Understanding Your Rights under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Monday 23rd June 2025
If your neighbour is carrying out building works and you’ve been told that your gutter—or any other rainwater fitting—needs to be removed as part of the process, you might wonder: “Can they really do that?” The…
Why Resin Fixings Are the Safer Choice for Gallows Brackets in Old Masonry Walls
Tuesday 17th June 2025
Retrofitting gallows brackets into historic buildings presents a unique set of challenges. Many older masonry walls—particularly those constructed with lime mortar—simply aren’t suited to modern anchoring techniques that rely on force and expansion. In these cases,…
Behind the Facade: Surveying a Historic Home in Orme Square, W2
Tuesday 10th June 2025
Surveying a Historic Gem in Orme Square, W2: Damp, Roofs, and Drones in Prime London We recently had the privilege of conducting a Level 3+ building survey on a prestigious residence in Orme Square, W2…
Does Functional Dependence on a Party Wall Trigger Section 11(11) of the Party Wall Act?
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
One of the more nuanced aspects of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 lies in interpreting the phrase “making use” of a party wall, especially under Section 11(11).…
Can You Claim Back Costs for Past Building Defects? Understanding the Retrospective Rights Under the Building Safety Act 2022
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) introduced a game-changing extension to the limitation period for claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA 1972). Specifically,…
The Building Safety Act 2022: A New Era for Defective Premises Claims
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) has ushered in some of the most significant reforms to building safety and liability in recent memory. Among its most notable changes is the…
The Power of an Interim Schedule of Dilapidations: How Tayross Saves Tenants Thousands
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
At Tayross Chartered Building Surveyors, we recently undertook a Schedule of Dilapidations response on behalf of a commercial tenant occupying a large, historic property in a high-profile London borough. While we cannot refer to the specific address due…
Who Needs a Party Wall Notice? Understanding Your Obligations Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Wednesday 21st May 2025
Introduction If you're planning to carry out building works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996—such as excavating near a neighbour’s property or building on…
Advising Engineers and Security for Expenses in Party Wall Matters: A Practical Guide for Homeowners and Surveyors
Wednesday 21st May 2025
Introduction Basement conversions and other structural works near shared boundaries are becoming increasingly common, especially in densely populated urban areas like London. These types of…
Advantages of using an agreed Surveyor
Monday 12th May 2025
What Are the Benefits of Using an Agreed Surveyor? When dealing with construction work near or on a shared boundary, the Party Wall…
The Importance of Complying with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Avoiding Legal and Financial Pitfalls
Monday 12th May 2025
As a building owner, the prospect of carrying out construction work near or affecting a neighbour's property can be exciting. Whether it's a small renovation, an extension, or even the installation of special foundations,…
Party Wall Problems Start with Poor Design: Why Using Unqualified Technicians Costs More in the Long Run
Wednesday 7th May 2025
Why Cutting Corners on Design Expertise Can Cost You Dearly: The Hidden Price of Using Unqualified Technicians In an era where cost-efficiency is paramount, many Building Owners…
Repair or Replace? Understanding Mid-Term Lease Obligations
Tuesday 6th May 2025
Disputes over lease obligations and repair responsibilities are a common source of tension between commercial landlords and tenants—particularly in the period…
Should all notices be referenced in the award?
Tuesday 6th May 2025
In a Party Wall Award under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, it is good practice to include, in the recitals, reference to all notices served, even if not all of…
Do Party Wall Surveyors Enforce the Award? Understanding Their Role and Your Rights
Wednesday 30th April 2025
If you're involved in a building project that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you may already be familiar…
When is a Party Wall Award Legally Served? Lessons from Freetown Ltd v Assethold Ltd [2012]
Tuesday 22nd April 2025
In the world of party wall surveying, timing is everything — especially when it comes to the service of an award. A key case, Freetown Ltd v Assethold Ltd [2012] EWCA Civ 1657,…
SDLT Relief: What Counts as an Uninhabitable Property?
Wednesday 16th April 2025
The Inland Revenue (now HMRC) defines a property as uninhabitable for the purposes of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief in very limited…
Understanding Dry Rot vs Wet Rot: Key Differences, Common Causes, and Effective Remedies for UK Homes
Tuesday 8th April 2025
Dry Rot and Wet Rot are both forms of timber decay caused by fungi, but they differ in their conditions, the damage they cause, and where they are typically found in properties across…
Understanding Party Wall Act Considerations: When Damage Occurs Beyond 3 Metres
Tuesday 8th April 2025
Yes, you’re right to be cautious — within party wall circles, the perceived wisdom is that such damage is still very much a cause for concern,…
Protecting Your Rights: What to Do if Party Wall Works Cause Damage Despite Consent
Monday 31st March 2025
If a building owner has received consent from an adjoining owner for party wall works, but damage subsequently occurs, the adjoining owner still has several avenues for recourse. Here’s how the situation typically unfolds: 1. Establishing Liability for Damage Even if…
Importance of carrying out a Schedule Of Condition prior to taking up a commercial lease
Friday 28th March 2025
Entering into a commercial lease is a significant commitment, and understanding the property’s condition before signing is crucial. A Schedule of Condition (SoC) serves as a detailed…
Adjoining Owners' Rights to Compensation: What Happens When Party Wall Works Cause Damage?
Wednesday 26th March 2025
If a building owner has received consent from an adjoining owner for party wall works, but damage subsequently occurs, the adjoining owner still has several avenues for recourse. Here’s…
Why a Level 3 Building Survey is Essential: Expert Insights from Tayross Associates
Thursday 20th March 2025
When purchasing a property, ensuring you fully understand its condition is crucial. A Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive type of survey…
EWS Inspections: Revisiting a Site After an Invalid EWS Certificate
Monday 17th March 2025
The Importance of Proper EWS Inspections The necessity of thorough and compliant External Wall System (EWS) inspections has been underscored once again by recent revelations regarding invalid certificates issued by Tri Fire. At Tayross Chartered…
Why It Is Not Standard Practice for an Adjoining Owner to See a Draft Party Wall Award Before Formal Service
Wednesday 19th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 plays a crucial role in managing disputes between building owners and adjoining owners when construction work affects…
What rights does a building owner have over a type B party wall owned by the adjoined owner?
Wednesday 19th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
A Type B party wall (also known as a party wall on a line of junction) is one that stands entirely on the adjoining owner’s land but has been used or is capable of being used…
Weathering a Type B Party Wall: Access Rights Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If the Adjoining Owner (AO) needs to perform work that involves weathering over the top of a Type B party wall…
Access Challenges for Adjacent Works Near a Type B Party Wall: Legal Options and Best Practices"
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
In the scenario where it's impossible to effectively raise a new wall adjacent to a Type B party wall without…
Compensation in relation section 6 (1) and section (2) works.
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, Sections 2 and 6 outline different circumstances and rights concerning works on a party wall or adjacent excavations and constructions. Both sections provide…
Who is responsible for removing services that obstruct my works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, when a Building Owner plans to construct a wall along the boundary line (known as the “line…
Importance of carrying out a Schedule Of Condition prior to taking up a commercial lease
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Entering into a commercial lease is a significant commitment, and understanding the property's condition before signing is crucial. A Schedule of Condition (SoC) serves as a detailed record of the property's…
Access Rights for Works Adjacent to a Type B Party Wall: Understanding Your Legal Position
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Type B party walls are walls that are situated wholly on one owner's land but are used by two (or more) owners to separate their buildings. Under Section 2(2)(a) of the Party Wall etc.…
Understanding Party Wall Works and the Importance of Providing Notice
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When undertaking party wall works, one of the key legal considerations is whether access to a neighbour’s land is required. While there is no statutory notice period to commence works…
Ensuring Professional Independence as a Chartered Witness
Wednesday 12th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When concerns arise regarding my independence as a professional witness in neighbour disputes, it is important to clarify my role and responsibilities. As a chartered professional accredited by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered…
Leinster Square W2: Retaining Wall Project
Wednesday 5th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Tayross Associates Ltd. (Chartered Building Surveyors) recently acted on behalf of a freeholder in Leinster Square, W2, concerning the construction of a…
Cladding Removal and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: Notification Requirements for Leaseholders
Wednesday 5th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the requirement to serve notices depends on the nature of the works and whether they fall within the scope of the…
Addressing Damp and Condensation Issues: Survey Recommendations
Wednesday 5th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Damp and condensation can significantly impact the comfort and structural integrity of a property. At a property in Buckhurst Hill, persistent issues with dampness and condensation…
The Evolution of Drainage Systems in the UK: From Combined to Separate Systems
Wednesday 5th February 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
In the United Kingdom, the design of drainage systems has evolved over time. Properties built in the 1930s often featured combined drainage systems, where both…
Surveying 17th-Century Oak Framed Buildings: Key Issues, Risks and Considerations
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When surveying a 17th-century oak-framed building, several key issues and potential disadvantages need to be carefully assessed, as these properties often have historical, structural, and maintenance complexities. Here’s a guide to help you: Key…
EWS1 Survey
Thursday 16th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
EWS1 Survey at Harley Street: A Prestigious Project by Tayross Chartered Building Surveyors. At Tayross Chartered Building Surveyors, we’re thrilled to announce our involvement in a prestigious project on Harley Street, one of London’s most iconic locations. We’ve…
Disadvantages of having a combination boiler in a four bedroom property
Thursday 16th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
1. Limited Hot Water Supply • Issue: Combi boilers provide hot water on demand, meaning they can only heat one tap or shower at a time. • Effect: In a larger household,…
Protecting Roof Spaces: Why Ventilation Matters for Timber Maintenance
Thursday 16th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Discolouration and degradation of roof timbers can be caused by several factors, many of which are directly related to poor ventilation. In the case of your dormer-style bungalow without soffit…
How to Choose a Skilled Party Wall Surveyor: Expertise, Value, and Practical Guidance Beyond the Basics
Thursday 16th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
While I can't directly recommend specific individuals, I can guide you on how to find a qualified and reliable party wall surveyor. How to find a Party Wall Surveyor? 1. Professional organisations Check the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) or the…
Neighbour’s Planning Permission: Protecting Your Services on a Gable Wall
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
I have an end-of-terraced property which appears to have my services on the flank wall, including rainwater, waste pipes, and possibly a gas pipe along with an electrical conduit. The…
End of Terrace to Mid-Terrace: Can You Claim Compensation Under the Party Wall Act 1996?
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If you own an end-of-terrace property and your neighbour obtains planning permission to build on their site, effectively changing your property’s classification from an end-of-terrace to a mid-terrace, you may wonder…
Can a Retrospective Party Wall Award Be Agreed Without Notices Being Served?
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
In the world of property development and construction, adhering to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is crucial for maintaining good relations with neighbouring owners and ensuring…
Can You Raise Half a Party Wall? Key Considerations Under the Party Wall Act 1996
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a Building Owner Cannot Unilaterally Raise Half the Thickness of a Party Wall Entirely on Their Side Without Proper…
Can a Level 3 RICS Survey Confirm If Underpinning Has Stopped Movement?
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Yes, it is expected that a Level 3 RICS Building Survey (previously known as a full structural survey) should confidently report on a property that has been…
The 10 Essential Things You Need to Know About the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If you're planning building works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a vital piece of legislation you must understand. Failing to comply can lead to costly disputes, delays, and even legal…
Essential Information for Accurate Rebuild Valuations: A Guide for Insurance Purposes
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When a client requests a rebuild valuation (also known as a reinstatement cost assessment) of their property, a surveyor requires specific information to provide an accurate estimate. The…
What Happens When No Surveyors Are Appointed Before Notifiable Works: A Guide to Retrospective Resolutions Under the Party Wall Act
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If surveyors have not yet been appointed and the notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 have already been completed; the situation becomes more procedurally complicated. However, the Act still provides a way…
Surveyors’ Authority to Act Independently Under the Party Wall Act
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a surveyor does not need written permission from either the building owner or the adjoining owner to prepare or serve a retrospective award. This is because the surveyors derive their authority from Section…
Navigating the Party Wall Act: Retrospective Awards and Surveyors’ Role in Settling Disputes
Wednesday 8th January 2025
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If the notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 have been completed before the award has been served, the situation is procedurally irregular but not necessarily fatal to the process. Here’s a recommended course of action…
What Happens If Notifiable Works Are Completed Before Party Wall Awards Are Served?
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
If the notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 have been completed before the award has been served, the situation is…
How to Prepare a Method Statement for Access to Your Neighbour's Property Under Section 8 of the Party Wall Act
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
To comply with Section 8 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which allows a building owner to request access to a neighbour’s land to facilitate notifiable works, the builder…
Why do I need a Party Wall Surveyor as a Building Owner?
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
As a Party Wall Surveyor appointed by the Building Owner, your role is to ensure that the Building Owner fulfils their legal obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.…
Who Pays for Drainage Relocation and Alterations when Building Proposals Make It Inaccessible?
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When advising a Building Owner constructing a rear extension adjacent to an existing rear extension of an Adjoining Owner, several key considerations…
Successfully Navigating Section 6(1) Party Wall Works in Central London
Tuesday 17th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
The grandeur of London’s historic terraces brings beauty and charm to the capital but also unique challenges when construction or development works are involved. Recently, I had the pleasure of managing party wall matters…
Do I have the right to move my side of the chimney stack?
Thursday 5th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
In the UK, if you intend to remove your side of a shared chimney stack at roof level, you are required to follow the procedures outlined…
Security of Expenses
Thursday 5th December 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Security of expenses, under the Party Wall Act, is essentially a form of financial protection for the adjoining owner (the neighbour who…
Exploring 200 Years of London's Architectural Evolution.
Friday 29th November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Over the past 200 years, London’s architectural landscape has evolved through several distinct periods, each characterised by unique styles and influences. Here’s an overview of these periods: 1. Regency Period (1811–1820): • Characteristics: Elegant and refined designs with a focus on symmetry…
Who Bears Responsibility for Reported Damage if the Building Owner Couldn't Conduct a Schedule of Condition Due to Lack of Access or Availability?
Friday 29th November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if you serve a notice on your neighbour (adjoining owner) and they fail to…
Raising a Party Wall for a Rear Dormer Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Thursday 28th November 2024
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if a building owner wishes to build a dormer at the rear of their property and plans to raise part of…
Permitted Developments
Thursday 28th November 2024
Under the UK’s permitted development rights, the size of your garden does influence the allowable size of a rear extension for a terraced property. Key considerations include: • Coverage Limitation: Extensions and other…
Can You Claim Adverse Possession of Land?
Thursday 28th November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Yes, you can claim adverse possession of land if you meet specific legal criteria, which generally include the following: Key Requirements for Adverse Possession: 1. Exclusive Possession: You must be in exclusive control of the land, treating it…
Main Differences Between a Conservation Area Tree and a TPO Tree
Monday 25th November 2024
When it comes to protecting trees in the UK, understanding the distinctions between Conservation Area trees and Tree Preservation Order (TPO) trees is essential. Both provide safeguards for trees, but they differ in…
Can I Appoint My Party Wall Surveyor as an "Agreed Surveyor" on Behalf of My Neighbour?
Thursday 21st November 2024
When undertaking building works that may impact a shared party wall or boundary, one of the questions that often arises is whether you can appoint your own…
The Pitfalls of Serving Your Own Party Wall Notice
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Serving your own Party Wall Notice might seem like a cost-effective option, especially with the availability of free templates online. However, this approach often leads to…
Do I need a Schedule of Condition when taking over a lease?
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When taking over a lease, one of the most crucial steps is ensuring that the property’s condition is documented accurately. Without a…
Party Wall Dissent Options
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Understanding Party Wall Dissent Options: What You Need to Know If you're an Adjoining Owner approached with a Party Wall Notice, it's crucial to…
The Importance Of A Schedule Of Condition Report
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Party Wall Schedule of Condition When it comes to Party Wall matters, a Schedule of Condition Report is an invaluable tool, providing a clear, documented snapshot of a…
A Comprehensive Guide to Party Wall Definitions
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When navigating the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, understanding its key definitions is essential. Misunderstandings can lead to disputes or improper application of the Act. At Tayross Associates, we believe in simplifying complex terminology so that both…
The True Value of a Schedule of Condition for a Commercial Lease
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
It’s surprising how many tenants sign commercial leases without securing a Schedule of Condition beforehand. This oversight can result in costly liabilities, particularly when dealing with properties…
How do I find a cost-effective Party Wall Surveyor?
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
When embarking on a building project, choosing the right Party Wall Surveyor can make a significant difference - not just in terms…
Is it necessary to commission a detailed commercial building survey report when taking over an existing lease?
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Is it necessary to commission a detailed commercial building survey report when taking over an existing lease? When taking over an existing lease for a commercial…
The Importance of Installing Roof Slates at the Correct Pitch
Wednesday 20th November 2024
When it comes to roofing, getting the pitch right is not just a matter of aesthetics – it’s a fundamental aspect of ensuring the roof performs effectively and remains durable over time. Here are the key…
Understanding the Oedometer: How It Helps Predict Soil Settlement and Heave
Friday 15th November 2024
In geotechnical engineering, understanding soil behaviour under loads is crucial for designing safe and stable structures. An essential device used for this purpose is the oedometer. Let’s dive into what an oedometer does, how it works,…
Defect’s Liability Period – Final Inspection
Thursday 14th November 2024
Completing a large roof replacement project is a significant achievement, but the work doesn't stop there. To ensure the project's success,…
Understanding Key Property Documents: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants
Thursday 14th November 2024
When dealing with leases, it’s crucial to be familiar with essential property documents, such as the Schedule of Condition, Schedule of Dilapidations, and Scott Schedule. Here's a…
Understanding Type B Party Walls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Monday 11th November 2024
A Type B party wall, as defined by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, is a wall that stands entirely on one owner’s land but serves as the separation between two buildings. The rights of a building owner (the…
What is a Level 3 Building Survey, and When Do You Need One?
Friday 8th November 2024
When purchasing a property, especially an older or more complex building, it’s essential to understand its condition thoroughly. A Level 3 building survey is the most comprehensive type…
What is a Party Wall Surveyor, and When Do You Need One in London?
Wednesday 6th November 2024
If you’re planning a construction project in London, you may need to involve a party wall surveyor to ensure compliance with the Party Wall Act 1996. But what exactly does a party wall surveyor do, and when are they…
What are Dilapidations, and How Do They Affect Tenants and Landlords?
Monday 4th November 2024
In commercial leasing, "dilapidations" refer to a tenant's obligation to maintain a property according to the lease terms. These obligations, which often include repairs, maintenance, and reversing alterations, are crucial to both landlords and…
How Valuable is Land in London, and Should I Get a Boundary Dispute Report if My Neighbour Has Encroached?
Friday 1st November 2024
London’s land is among the most valuable in the world. With high demand for both residential and commercial spaces, every square metre counts. Property owners must…
Understanding Dilapidations: What They Are and How Tayross Associates Can Help
Wednesday 30th October 2024
When it comes to leasing commercial properties, dilapidations are a crucial aspect for both landlords and tenants. For over 30 years, Tayross Associates has provided expert…
Understanding the Party Wall Act 1996: Can You Underpin a Neighbour’s Wall if it is Not a Party Wall?
Monday 28th October 2024
In the world of property boundaries and structural work, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 serves as a fundamental guide for homeowners, surveyors, and builders. One of the critical questions that often arises is: Can you underpin an adjoining…
When Is the Best Time to Contact a Party Wall Surveyor?
Friday 25th October 2024
If you're planning construction or renovation works that might affect a shared wall, boundary, or involve excavation near a neighbouring property, it’s important to understand the timing required for involving a Party Wall Surveyor. The Party…
Excavating to the Same Level as a Neighbour: Understanding the Party Wall Act 1996
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
When undertaking construction or excavation work near a neighbouring property, it's essential to be aware of the legal obligations set out in the Party Wall etc. Act…
Difference Between a PC Sum and a Provisional Sum in Construction Contracts
Monday 21st October 2024
In UK construction contracts, the terms "PC Sum" (Prime Cost Sum) and "Provisional Sum" are used to allocate budgets for certain parts of a project. While both deal with uncertainties, they serve distinct purposes and are handled differently. Here's…
General Overview of the Party Wall Act 1996
Friday 11th October 2024
1. Q: What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? A: It is legislation that provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls, and…
Who is Responsible for the Maintenance of a Retaining Wall?
Thursday 10th October 2024
In England, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing a retaining wall can be a complicated issue, often dependent on ownership of the wall…
Penalties and Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022
Monday 7th October 2024
Non-compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 can result in significant financial, legal, and criminal consequences for building owners, accountable persons, and other parties responsible for building safety. The Act imposes strict penalties to ensure that those in charge of…
Obtaining a Licence to Alter from the Freeholder in a Flat Development
Friday 4th October 2024
If you're planning alterations to your flat within a building development, securing a Licence to Alter from the freeholder is essential. This formal agreement grants permission for specific works that could impact the building's structure, communal areas,…
Understanding 'T' Marks on Deeds Maps: Property Boundaries and Responsibilities
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
In the UK, 'T' marks on deeds maps are a common way to indicate responsibility for boundary features such as fences, walls, and hedges. These marks help property owners understand who is…
Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022: Roles, Responsibilities, and Compliance
Monday 30th September 2024
The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced to improve safety standards in high-rise residential buildings across the UK. In response to the Grenfell…
What Qualifications and Professions Are Required to Carry Out an Inspection of an 18m Tall Building for Compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 in London?
Thursday 26th September 2024
When it comes to assessing whether an 18-metre tall building complies with the Building Safety Act 2022 in the London area, the person conducting the inspection must have the appropriate qualifications and professional background. Ensuring…
Compensation or Repair Under the Party Wall Act: A Guide to Section 2 Works
Friday 20th September 2024
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, when works are notified under Section 2, which pertains to work on a party wall (such as cutting into, raising, or rebuilding it), the adjoining owner…
Provision for AC and DC Currents in Electrical Installations under BS 7671:2018+A2:2022
Wednesday 18th September 2024
The BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 standards, known as the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations, provide guidelines for managing both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) in electrical installations. With the increasing use…
