What Does A Party Wall Surveyor Do?
A party wall surveyor settles disputes and determined whether a property owner is allowed to do construction work – so understands the requirements of the Party Walls Act and related concepts in a professional capacity. The surveyor will ensure the process set out in the Act has been defined and followed, assist owners with making decisions about their construction work, and resolving any disputes related to the party wall, boundary line and/or neighbouring properties. Here are a few examples of what a party wall surveyor would do:
- Providing Professional Advice: A party wall surveyor have experience with the Party Wall Act and the associated regulations. The surveyor will provide information and advice to property owners and explain the rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall Act so that they understand how the proposals for construction work will impact any party walls and neighbouring properties they are responsible for.
- Serving Party Wall Notices: A surveyor can assist the building owner with serving the party wall notices to the neighbouring owners, being the notice obligation set out the Act. The party wall notices formally notify adjoining owner of the proposed construction and provide them their rights to either consent/dissent to the works and appoint their own surveyor.
- Dispute Resolution: In the event of a disagreement or dispute between a building owner and an adjoining owner, the party wall surveyor is an independent third party. The surveyor helps facilitate a conversation of the issues through discussions with both parties to identify issues and reach workable solutions acceptable to all parties.
- Impact of Construction Work: Party wall surveyors will visit the relevant properties to assess the impact of the proposed construction works, they may also carry out condition surveys and prepare reports on the current state of the party walls and adjacent properties before the works begins. The examination enables the surveyor to create a record of the present condition of the properties should there be damage from the construction works.
- Party Wall Awards: When a consensus is achieved or frustrated by a dispute, party wall surveyors will prepare a legally binding document known as a Party Wall Award. A Party Wall Award formalises the rights, obligations and requirements of all parties to enable the construction works to commence in compliance with the Party Wall Act.
- Carrying out Site Inspections: During the course of the construction period, party wall surveyors may conduct site inspections in order to ascertain that the works are compliant with the agreed specification and also determine that all reasonable steps are being taken to restrict damage to adjoining properties.
- Providing Expert Evidence: In the event of a party wall dispute or court proceedings relating to party wall matters, a party wall surveyor my provide expert evidence dependent on their skill and expertise.
It is again important to note that every party wall surveyor may have a particular style or way of working; however, they will always: promote communication, promote the interests of the party wall parties and promote compliance with the Party Wall Act throughout the construction period.
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.
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📍 London CR7 7RQ
📞 0203 576 0786 / 0777 3360033
📧 info@partywallssurveyors.co.uk
