Building Surveys

We undertake building surveys for prospective buyers, particularly for those that may have queries about certain aspects of the property. We will also advise on the potential possibilities for alterations and improvements and what would be required to hopefully obtain approvals under all the various regulations.

We would, of course, advise on any defects found and what remedies there would need to be taken, but we do not undertake valuations as we believe that this should be done at a very local level.

Party Wall etc. Act 1996

This is a specialist area for us as we are fully experienced in this field dealing with all aspects from the beginning to the end. Our expertise is second to none.

We will advise on what party wall notices need to be served, what happens either when Consent or Dissent occurs to your proposals. We will deal with the matter very promptly and what is most important is that our costs are extremely competitive.

ADS senior partner Alex Frame is an expert in Party Wall Matters and is president of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors. He lectures and has written books and many articles on the subject.

Note! It is very important when undertaking any building works that the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is considered at an early stage.

Mediation

We have a highly trained specialist in the team who will be the Mediator in any dispute that you may have. This route is very often used in boundary disputes between neighbours. It naturally avoids any legal recourse to litigation, which can prove to be an extremely costly way to solve the problem. Most disputes using our Mediation method are resolved in a day or more often just half a day. This is all coupled with a legally drafted agreement upon completion.

Benefits of Mediation include:

• Mediation can be very quick. Sometimes half or day Mediation can bring a matter to a conclusion, which makes it inexpensive. Compared to other forms of dispute resolution, and in particular litigation, it is extremely inexpensive.
• Mediation is private and confidential so neither party risks any public embarrassment. Parties can often stay on good terms following Mediation.
• Mediation can be made binding by agreement.
  The parties stay in control of the outcomes without a legal process dictating the matter.
• Costs are often known and fixed at the outcome.

Expert Witness

The senior partner has prepared many expert witness reports that are fully CPR compliant and he will appear in court if required. Such reports have been prepared particularly in the case of boundary disputes.