When I set up West Country Surveyors Ltd I really wanted it to be different. A place where myself and the team as a whole really do want to come to work on a Monday and love what we do. Somewhere in the back of my mind it was going to be the closest I could get to those hazy school days we all look back on fondly whilst still being super professional (minus the suits and ties…..that was the FIRST thing I banned at set up!).

Anyhow, at our monthly team meeting this month we mixed it up and visited the wonderful Brickhaus Cafe in Wellington, Somerset. Here you get to build LEGO whilst having a biscuit (LEGO themed of course!), coffee and a chat….perfect for us and really fits in with our website theme. Win-Win.

So off we toddle on a warm Wednesday afternoon, bricks flying all over the place, drinks drunk and models made. This is how I envisage a team meeting, practical, fun and engaging.

Then show stopper, Taylor tells us she had never actually built a LEGO model before…..that is it the job interview format now has an extra question added to the mix. How could I possibly not have asked ‘What is the best LEGO model you have made as an interview question for a Surveyor? Anyhow, Taylor broke her duck and built a set of cacti which looked really great.

I think everyone enjoyed doing something different and the change in venue is always appreciated.

We know we are different than most of the surveying industry, but that is what makes us special! If you would like to be a Surveyor at our firm please do get in contact, we have a vacancy to join our team and would love to hear from you.

BIO:

David Clare is a Chartered Surveyor & Chartered Building Engineer at West Country surveyors, for his sins he is also the MD! David’s bio can be found here

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Does the Party Wall Act Apply to Loft Conversions?

Yes, it does! Loft conversions can affect shared or adjoining walls, particularly when:

• You’re raising the height of party walls to support the new roof structure.
• You’re installing new beams or steelwork that rely on party walls for structural support.
• You’re modifying the boundary wall between properties.

This means you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbour before work begins, and in many cases, you’ll need to draw up a Party Wall Agreement.

How Can West Country Surveyors Help with Your Loft Conversion?

Loft conversions often involve structural changes that need careful consideration, and it’s important to follow the proper legal processes to avoid potential disputes. Here’s how we help:

1. Serving Loft Conversion Notices: We’ll ensure that the correct notices are served, detailing the proposed work and making sure your neighbour understands what’s planned.
2. Acting as Surveyors: If your neighbour has concerns or appoints their own surveyor, we can act on your behalf to negotiate the Party Wall Agreement and resolve any issues that might arise.
3. Drafting Loft-Specific Party Wall Agreements: Our team is experienced in drawing up Party Wall Agreements for loft conversions, ensuring all work is fully compliant with the Party Wall Act and both properties are protected.

At West Country Surveyors, we’ve helped homeowners across the West Country with loft conversions, making sure they stay on the right side of the Party Wall Act while still creating the space of their dreams

You can find more details about our services, locations, and pricing on our website: www.westcountrysurveyors.co.uk.

To book a survey or ask for more information regarding party wall agreements, give us a call on 01823 429823 or contact us.

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Now, we know what you’re thinking: “How can house surveys be festive?” Well, allow us to sprinkle some seasonal sparkle on the idea! So, grab a mug of mulled wine, get cozy by the fire, and let us guide you through how West Country Surveyors can bring peace of mind (and a little cheer) to your holiday season.

Santa’s Got His List, and So Should You

While Santa is busy checking his naughty and nice list, you should be checking your list of essential home services. Whether you’ve got your eye on a lovely cottage in the Devon countryside or you’re making sure your current home isn’t hiding any surprises (like a family of squirrels nesting in the attic), we’re here to help.

At West Country Surveyors, we offer a full range of services, including:

1. RICS Home Surveys: Whether it’s a full Building Survey or a HomeBuyer Report, we’ll give you the lowdown on what’s really going on with the property. Think of us as your own personal Elf on the Shelf – except we spot the structural cracks, not the mince pie crumbs.
2. Valuations: Wondering if that dream home is really worth the price tag? Our expert valuers will give you an accurate assessment, saving you from any post-Christmas surprises that might hit harder than your credit card bill.
3. Help to Buy Valuations: If you’re looking to pay off your government equity loan or sell your property, we can provide the official Help to Buy valuation you need.
4. Expert Witness Reports: If you find yourself involved in a property dispute (perhaps that overly enthusiastic neighbour who’s been using your garden as a reindeer training ground?), our impartial reports could be just what you need to resolve things.

We’ve been helping homeowners across the West Country for years, from the rolling hills of Somerset to the windswept cliffs of Cornwall. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just making sure your home is sleigh-worthy for Santa’s arrival, we’re here to assist.

Deck the Halls (But Check the Roof First)

As you untangle the fairy lights and scale the ladder to hang the wreath, take a moment to consider the state of your home’s structure. A leaky roof might add to the festive feeling if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, but trust us – unexpected repairs in the new year are about as welcome as Brussels sprouts at the dinner table.

Our RICS Building Surveys are perfect for identifying potential problems before they become costly headaches. From damp and subsidence to cracked chimneys (we need to ensure Santa makes it down the chimney safely), we’ve got you covered.

Get in Touch and Let’s Wrap It Up

So, whether you’re looking to make a new purchase or just want to check up on the home you love, why not give yourself the gift of peace of mind this Christmas? We’re offering all our usual services over the festive period – because while the big man in red only works one night a year, we’re here whenever you need us!

To book your survey or valuation, simply visit our website: www.westcountrysurveyors.co.uk, or give us a call on 01823 429823.

Have a merry, survey-filled Christmas from all of us at West Country Surveyors – and remember, a sound house is the perfect gift you can give yourself this Christmas!

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Building Dreams, One Brick at a Time

When you think of LEGO, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the joy of building something amazing from scratch, the satisfaction of seeing a structure come together piece by piece. That’s exactly how we see our role in the property industry.

Whether it’s carrying out a RICS Home Survey or a detailed Building Survey, we help build your understanding of a property. Just like constructing a LEGO model, buying or maintaining a home requires a solid foundation – and that’s where we come in.

At West Country Surveyors, we break down the process into manageable steps, providing clear and detailed insights into a property’s condition, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. It’s like following a LEGO instruction booklet – we guide you through each piece of information, helping you to assemble a complete picture of your property.

Stability, Structure, and Attention to Detail

One of the main reasons we use LEGO imagery on our website is because it represents the fundamental principles of what we do: structure, stability, and precision. When you build with LEGO, each piece has to fit perfectly. If one brick is out of place, the whole structure could be compromised. The same is true for properties.

When we conduct a survey, we meticulously assess each element of the building – from the roof and walls to the plumbing and electrics – ensuring that everything is stable and sound. Homes are far more complex than a LEGO structure, the faults not as noticeable, if there’s a problem, we’ll find it and report it, much like spotting a missing or broken brick in a LEGO model. Our RICS Building Surveys are designed to catch any potential issues, ensuring your home or investment is as solid as the foundation it stands on.

Creative Solutions, Practical Results

LEGO isn’t just about following instructions – it’s about creativity, imagination, and problem-solving. As surveyors, we often have to approach challenges in much the same way. No two houses are exactly alike, each home comes with its own quirks, features, and potential issues.

When we encounter something unusual, whether it’s an odd structural feature or a potential risk like damp or subsidence, we take a creative and analytical approach to provide the best advice. Much like piecing together a LEGO masterpiece, our team at West Country Surveyors will work to find practical solutions to ensure your property is safe and sound.

A Clear, Easy-to-Understand Process

Another reason we love LEGO? It’s simple, clear, and accessible – and that’s exactly how we aim to make our survey process. We know that buying a home or getting a property inspected can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with building terminology or technical jargon.

Using LEGO imagery reminds us (and you!) that things don’t have to be complicated. Our surveys are thorough, but they’re also easy to understand. We explain everything clearly, ensuring you feel confident about the property decisions you’re making, whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home.

Putting the Pieces Together – Our Services

So how does all this relate to the services we offer here at West Country Surveyors?

1. RICS HomeBuyer Reports: Just like building a LEGO house, we carefully assess key components of your home, checking for structural integrity, potential problems, and risks. Our HomeBuyer Report is perfect for modern properties or those in good condition, giving you a clear picture of any issues that might arise.
2. RICS Building Surveys: This is our most detailed service, ideal for older or more complex properties. Think of it as building a LEGO set with a lot of pieces – you need patience and precision to get it right. We inspect every aspect of the property, from top to bottom, giving you peace of mind that no hidden dangers are lurking.
3. Valuations: Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking to remortgage, our expert valuations help you understand the true worth of your property.  We will consider all the factors that could affect your home’s value, from location to condition.

Why West Country Surveyors?

We serve a wide area across the West Country, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and beyond. Our local knowledge, combined with our passion for detail, makes us the perfect partner for all your property needs.

At West Country Surveyors, we take the guesswork out of buying or maintaining a home. Just like following a LEGO guide, we provide step-by-step advice and support, ensuring that every brick – or piece of information – falls into place.

Get in Touch!

Contact West Country Surveyors today for expert advice and comprehensive surveys. Visit our website at www.westcountrysurveyors.co.uk or give us a call at 01823 429823 to learn more about how we can help.

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This often one of the first questions we are asked when a person needs a Party Wall Surveyor (or is in a dispute with an adjoining building owner after they have served a party wall notice on them!)

As a Party Wall Act Surveyor practicing in Bristol to Exeter including Taunton, Bridgwater and Chard I pride myself on clear and transparent fees in all matters I deal with.

Whilst reading the October issue of “Build It” magazine there was a small article (reproduced here in the images) where a Building Owner was concerned they had been overcharged by their surveyor for an amendment to the agreement (Party Wall Award), and this got me thinking…

Things that affect the Surveyors fees in a Party Wall matter could be:

• Size of the property
• Quality and completeness of architectural designs
• The complexity of the project
• Number of surveyors needed (depending on the survey you may have one, two or three surveyors involved)
• The level of risk of damage to the neighbouring property
• Any negotiation needed
• Where you live

In the West Country fees generally range from £80.00 to £200.00 per hour for Party Wall Surveyors, but in London it is common for fees to be £175.00 to £350.00 per hour, so depending where in the country the writer of the article was based would have had a huge impact on the fees it cost to create an amendment.

The other thing is that time on site is often kept to a minimum in Party Wall matters to avoid high fees to the property owners but, as is often the case, and well highlighted in the article response by the Editor, there is travel to and from site, office paperwork, phone calls and arguably the bit people forget about most; there is the need to issue the amended Award to both parties, which is simple if the surveyor was a joint appointed surveyor but less easy when there are 2 surveyors on the case.

Party Wall Act Surveyors carry out a statutory function once appointed and work for the wall and not an instructing client.

When an Award is issued the Surveyors normally issue a timesheet and invoice for their work, the same should be done with any amendments, site re-visits or work periodic inspections.

In my experience most Party Wall Surveyors are happy to answer quick questions or billing questions by a simple phone call. There is always a bad apple, but the timesheet should be accurate and can be challenged if a party in the matter believes it to be excessive.

If you are looking to instruct a responsible, transparent and qualified Party Wall Surveyor in Exeter, Bristol, Chard, Taunton, Bridgwater, or surrounding areas, please do contact me.

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