The Wall Enclosure Process
When an owner of a building wishes to enclose onto a party wall that was constructed by the adjoining owner, there are several aspects to be considered that may affect the cost. The reasoning is simply that the adjoining owner would have paid for the construction of that wall in the beginning, therefore the building owner is able to take advantage of the adjoining owner’s expense.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides payment to the adjoining owner for those expenses to prevent loss. The methods for party wall surveying include calculating and agreeing the cost per square metre of the wall that is being used, with those costs included in a Party Wall Award, which could be through a single surveyor or two separate surveyors.
After the cost is agreed through either surveyor or surveyors, the building owner typically pays the cost directly to the adjoining owner so as to maintain proportionality between the parties.
Neatly summarising, when a building owner erects an enclosure upon a party wall, they have an obligation to compensate the adjoining owner for the use of the wall. The encroachment is governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 which essentially calculates the price per square metre, agrees a payment, and ensures a fair financial outcome for both parties.
Why Us?
Schedule of Condition Reports, Party Wall Agreements (Awards), serving Party Wall Notices, and dispute resolution are among the expert Party Wall services we provide. You can rely on us to handle your Party Wall issues because we have skilled surveyors and set prices. For free, unbiased advice, get in touch with us. We are honoured members of the Pyramus and Thisbe Society as well as the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.
Before construction starts, a Schedule of Condition Report records the property’s current state to avoid future disputes. A legally binding contract that specifies each party’s responsibilities during construction and reduces the possibility of damage or disturbance is called a Party Wall Award. Under the Party Wall etc. Act, a London Party Wall Surveyor is essential to settling disputes. Their responsibility is to the Act itself, making sure that disputes are resolved in a reasonable and expedient manner.
Your neighbour is legally obligated to serve you with a Party Wall Notice if they intend to undertake construction that could affect your shared or adjacent property. You, the neighbouring owner, are notified of the impending work and your Party Wall Act rights by this notice.
Please get in touch with us for a free consultation. Our well-versed and professional staff will determine whether the suggested work is covered by the Party Wall Act based on your drawings, which you can share with us via email or call. We offer you our best, customised, and risk-free advice. We are also pleased to provide our professional services to Greater London and the surrounding areas.
Contact us
📍 London CR7 7RQ
📞 0203 576 0786 / 0777 3360033
📧 info@partywallssurveyors.co.uk
