Wall Enclosure Process

When a building owner decides to enclose upon a previously constructed party wall, there are factors that can impact the costs involved. The rationale behind this is that the adjoining owner would have originally borne the full expense of constructing that wall. Therefore, the building owner benefits from the adjoining owner’s past investment.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 ensures that the adjoining owner is fairly reimbursed for these costs to prevent them from incurring any financial losses. The procedures for party wall surveying involve calculating and agreeing upon the cost per square meter of the wall being utilized. This cost is determined and included in a Party Wall Award, either through the agreement of a single surveyor or the involvement of two separate surveyors.
Once the cost is agreed upon by either the appointed surveyor or the two surveyors, the building owner typically pays the amount directly to the adjoining owner. This payment ensures a balanced financial arrangement between the parties involved.

In summary, when a building owner encloses upon a party wall, they are required to compensate the adjoining owner for the use of the wall. This process is regulated by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and involves calculating the cost per square meter, agreeing upon the payment, and ensuring a fair financial outcome for both parties.