BUILDING NEXT DOOR COULD PUT YOUR PROPERTY AT RISK
A recent Protection Works case reminded me why adjoining owners should never assume that the proposed engineering has been thoroughly checked.
One adjoining owner contacted me to carry out an independent engineering assessment of the Protection Works documents they had received.
During my review, I identified serious engineering deficiencies that had the potential to undermine not only my client's property, but also the neighbouring property on the opposite side of the development.
The key difference was that my client decided to obtain independent advice.
The other adjoining owner accepted the Protection Works Notice without requesting an independent engineering review.
Had these engineering issues not been identified before construction commenced, both neighbouring properties could have been exposed to a significant risk of damage.
As a result of my client's decision to seek an independent assessment, I required these engineering issues to be addressed. The revised design protected my client's property and, at the same time, protected the other adjoining property as well, even though that owner had not requested a review.
This case highlights an important lesson.
When you receive a Protection Works Notice, you are often being asked to accept complex structural, geotechnical and construction details that can directly affect your property. Accepting the documents without an independent review may mean that critical engineering issues go unnoticed until construction is already underway.
If you have received a Protection Works Notice and would like an independent engineering assessment, I'd be happy to help.
Contact us before construction begins. A professional review today could prevent costly property damage and disputes tomorrow.
Phone: 0434129640
