We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.
Construction & Contractors Blog
If you are planning development on your property that may involve work that gets close to your boundary line, you'll need to take certain steps before proceeding. After all, you'll want to be sure of your ground, quite literally, to avoid any problems after completing your development work. Why is this important, and what should you do as you prepare to go ahead?
Defining Properties
Many residential properties are separated by a boundary fence or wall, although some may not have any physical boundary. Where a physical partition exists, it's not always the case that whoever built it was as accurate as they should have been.
Questioning the Records
If your property is particularly old, the original installer may not have had access to any technology. The owner may not even have commissioned any survey to ensure that whatever structure they intended to build on the boundary was in the correct place.
Preparing for Development
Some people in your situation may want to pave over their back garden. In this case, they may intend to install a swimming pool and an enclosure to keep the bugs out. This pavement and enclosed structure could go up to the perceived boundary and right next to the existing wall or fence.
Dealing with the Seeds of Doubt
Still, is that boundary in the correct place to start with? Imagine what would happen if this was not the case. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to take down your enclosure and remove part of your paving work, which would undoubtedly involve hassle, expense and time.
Commissioning a Survey
If you commission an identification survey instead, you can bring in experts who will identify the boundary using the latest technology and with reference to government records. You can share this information with your neighbour and lodge the identification survey plan with your local authority for public records. If you do this, there should be no confusion, and you should be able to proceed with your development work, subject to planning authority from the council.
Being Prepared for Anything
Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Although you may not be able to imagine how problems could arise, you never know what will happen as time goes by. After all, your immediate neighbour may decide to develop the property in their own right and could discover that the boundary wall or fence is indeed in the wrong place.
Moving Forward
Reach out to land surveying consultants today, and they will help to provide you with that crucial peace of mind. Contact a land surveyor to learn more.
Share29 June 2022
