A legal issue can delay construction work and waste months. That’s not just time wasted but money down the drain. If you’re on a tight timetable, the best approach is to hire a professional to help you get the construction off the ground without any problems. That’s why many property owners hire party wall surveyors. Pay attention to this list of common owner mistakes so you’ll know what to avoid and how to side-step potential issues.
Not Understanding Why
Before hiring a company of party wall surveyors in East London, read about and understand the importance of land surveying. The process entails measuring and mapping the features and boundaries of a property or piece of land. The resulting information helps resolve disputes, establishes where the boundaries are, who is liable to pay more for the fees and prevents others from trying to swoop in on the property with baseless claims. Qualified surveyors do all that work. Understanding their job scope tells you why it’s vital that you hire experienced pros.
Not Being Economical
Rising costs add more to the financial burden of the project. It may be tempting to skip hiring party wall surveyors in East London to save on expenses. But that’s a bad idea. Surveyors can generate data to help you plan and implement development projects in ways that save you time, money, and effort. They’re professionals so that they won’t waste your time. They have a crew of experts, so you can rest easy knowing they don’t sacrifice the quality of the materials or rush to meet an impossible deadline. They know how to get back on track if an unforeseen complication arises. You save more in the long run by hiring them and making them a part of your project.
Not Checking Credentials
Look for a license. Do they have a certification from an authority in the area? Did they undergo training? What about their education? What experience requirements do they have? Contact the licensing board to check if the certifications are authentic.
Not Asking for References
Many homeowners forget to check for references. To be fair, it’s often better to hold a round of interviews with a company of surveyors and see how they interact with clients, what their approach is like, what their company is like, and if they’re suitable for the project. However, asking for references can also save you time. Just remember to follow up on the references. Too many clients simply shove the references into their desk drawers, satisfied with the information. But it’s always best to check the authenticity of the data, so getting references and checking up on them is a must. Talking to former or present clients gives you an accurate take on their experience, skills, and compatibility.
Not Looking at Negotiation Skills
Experience, qualifications, credentials—you need to look for a surveyor with all three qualities. However, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on an important skill: negotiation. Surveyors talk to the other party. They negotiate. They help you deal with a neighbour who may be reluctant to have any construction work done on an adjoining property. The refusal could be out of fear that any damage to the wall or property may extend to their home. They may also be reluctant because of the potential hassle construction will bring. For instance, the noise, a crew working on the site for days or weeks, the debris and clutter, and more—these are a few of the common reasons why a neighbour may say no to you getting any construction done on an adjoining property. Having a skilled, experienced surveyor talk about the project and persuade the other owner can go a long way to ensuring a problem-free project.
Not Asking About Communication
Many property owners make the mistake of focusing on skills and credentials that they forget to ask about communication routines. How often will the surveyor contact you? Will they call you as soon as possible if there are any issues? Or do they have a daily check-in schedule? Choose someone who can easily communicate with you and the other owner. Hire surveyors who knows how to communicate potential issues about the project, answer your questions about the ongoing work, and address your fears about the risk of damage. Surveyors with excellent communication skills can provide considerable assistance to your team.
Not Asking About Projects
Not all surveyors are the same. Some may have worked on loft conversions. Some may have specialized in other construction projects. You’ll want someone who has worked on a similar project in the neighbourhood. That’s an excellent way to gauge their experience. If they’ve been providing the same services to clients for years, that means you’ve got the right team for the job, so you can look forward to an excellent outcome.
