The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is intimidating to the party that will engage either as a building owner, an adjoining owner, or as a design team member about to embark on a construction project. That is where party wall surveyors come in and are so crucial in terms of guidance and advice. One needs them to ensure smooth running and to keep the project legal. Our team is here to help, providing free, impartial advice on all aspects of party wall matters.
Understanding the Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 aims to avoid and resolve disputes arising between parties, either owners or occupiers, concerning works to party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighbouring buildings. It applies to both residential and commercial properties and ensures that the works do not adversely affect adjacent structures or land.
How We Can Help
Building Owners: If you are a building owner and you plan to carry out construction works, then you will need to determine whether your proposed works are notifiable under the Act. Notifiable works include the following:
- Work on an existing party wall or structure.
- Building a new wall on or at the boundary of two properties.
- Excavation near a neighbouring building or structure.
Our surveyors will be able to assist in helping you understand your obligations under the Act. Which will include serving the necessary notices to your neighbours. We can advise on timing and content of the notices to enable the avoidance of disputes and delays in projects.
Adjoining Owners: If you are an adjoining owner, you may receive a notice from a neighbour who is planning construction works. We can assist you in understanding the notice, your rights under the Act, and what you should do. We will advise on your options to consent to the works or to appoint a surveyor to protect your property interests.
Architects and Structural Engineers: As a design professional, you need to know the minutest details of the Party Wall Act to ensure that your projects are legally compliant. We assist architects and structural engineers in identifying notifiable works early in the planning phases of projects. Which helps in integrating party wall matters into the overall project timeline and budget.
Independent Professional Advice
Our pledge is to provide professional, independent advice to all parties. Building owner, adjoining owner, or a member of the design team. We work together to make the process of building trouble-free and compliant. If at any time any questions arise, our Party Wall Surveyors can always be called upon and will walk you through each step of the process.
Contact Us
Don’t try to navigate the complexities of the Party Wall Act on your own. We can provide free, impartial advice on all party wall matters. From how to determine if your building works are notifiable to serving and responding to notices. Our experienced surveyors are here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to ensure your project is compliant and dispute-free.