Planning a building project in Brixton? Well, whether it’s an extension, loft conversion, or any kind of structural work. There’s a critical aspect that you can’t ignore – party walls. Party wall issues almost always go under the radar, unless of course it causes a serious delay, or worse, a dispute with your neighbours. But not all party wall matters in Brixton have to be a headache! With the right approach, and proper guidance, you can navigate these waters right and even keep your project on track.
What is Party Wall Surveyors?
No, the word ‘party’ in ‘party wall’ has nothing to do with any social occasion where people eat, drink, and enjoy! Instead ‘party wall’ refers to a shared wall between two properties. This can be the wall dividing two terraced houses or even a garden wall separating two different properties. So, if your project involves working on, around, or even near one of these. You’ll have to follow a set of guidelines, that have been laid out in Act 1996.
How to go about party wall matters in Brixton?
The party wall rules are laid down to safeguard the interests of both the parties – you and your neighbour. Any work on or near a party wall could have a negative bearing on the structural integrity of your neighbour’s property, and that’s why you are expected to follow some protocol. This is where you need party wall surveyors in Brixton, who guide you every step of the way. Afterall, failing to comply with the Act can lead to disputes, unnecessary hassles, and even legal action. Wondering how to go about it? Well, here’s some help!
Serve a Party Wall Notice
The first step to handling party wall issues is to serve your neighbour a party wall notice. This is essentially a written notification that informs them that you will be undertaking a renovation/construction project around the party wall. This notice has to be served at least two months before starting the project if you’re planning on working on the party wall, and one month in advance if your work is near the boundary. Your neighbour can agree or dissent. But for the latter, you need to move to the next step.
Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor
If the neighbour doesn’t respond or dissents, you must hire professional party wall surveyors in Brixton. Both the parties can also choose to hire a single surveyor for the job. It is their job to draft a party wall award – a legal document detailing the work, precautions that must be taken, and states the compensation if required.
When things go wrong
Even when precautions are taken, things can still turn southwards. If the neighbour’s property suffers during your project, you will be liable to pay for it – though all this is already covered in the party wall award. If there are disagreements about the extent of the damage, the surveyor will step in to mediate.
Key takeaway
Dealing with party wall issues might seem like a hassle, but with the right preparation and with the right help, you’ll realise that it’s just part of the building process. If you need help, there’s always teams like Party Walls Surveyors around. These guys are adept at handling all kinds of party wall matters in Brixton and beyond. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they offer assistance all through. Connect with the experts and relax, your project is in safe hands. You can even reach out for a free consultation!