Are you thinking of starting a construction project that falls under the Party Wall Act 1996 regulations? Well, you may not have much information regarding this act. Or, you may have already received a party wall notice from your adjoining property owner. No matter what the scenario is, you need to know the next steps to follow. In this post, let us discuss the most common and important questions to ask a Party Wall surveyor Clapham before appointing him.
Ask these Before Hiring A Party Wall Surveyor
#1 – What Is The Party Wall Act 1996? What’s The Key Purpose Of It?
A party wall is basically a shared property owned by you and your neighbour. Therefore, when it comes to party wall reconstruction or if you need to do any excavation near the wall, you will have to serve a party wall notice to get your neighbour informed about the proposed construction project. All these regulations are part of the Party Wall Act 1996.
This act tends to provide a legal framework designed to prevent and solve any sort of disagreements associated with the party walls near the neighbouring property. While protecting the interests of both property owners, this act also grants legal rights to the owner. This is how it facilitates him to undertake construction works without any disruption.
#2 – What Are The Situations When The Act Will Be Applicable?
The Party Wall Act 1996 extensively covers three different ‘notifiable’ works featuring:
The construction works that are likely to affect the boundary wall shared by two adjacent properties
Excavation projects within a specific distance of adjoining structures
Making changes in any shared party structures
A Party wall surveyor Clapham will provide you with the necessary guidance in this regard.
#3 – Does the Builder of the Neighbour Have Any Right To Access My Property?
As per the Party Wall Act, your adjacent property owner and their building contractors can have access to your property if the building construction work cannot be done in any other way. And to make that happen, the party wall notice should be given 14 days before beginning the home renovation work.
But this access should be considered when it is necessary. Usually, if there is any other way of undertaking the construction work without entering your property, that should be the way of performing the construction work.
#4 – Why Should I Appoint A Party Wall Surveyor?
An expert party wall surveyor is trained and experienced to help you go through a schedule of conditions related to the riskiest parts of adjoining property before starting building works. If there is any damage, both of the adjoining property owners will be protected by the surveyor from any sort of unwanted or accidental claims made by the other party.
Conclusion
Party wall surveyors Clapham suggests property owners to discuss with their neighbours before serving a party wall notice since this helps maintain a good relationship later on. However, still if any dispute arises, each property owner needs to formally appoint a party wall surveyor to serve the award. Do not worry because they will handle the matters professionally.