We offer expert guidance in navigating the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, an essential piece of legislation that governs specific types of construction work affecting neighbouring properties. This Act ensures that any work that might impact your neighbours is properly managed, protecting both parties involved. Typical works covered under the Act include:
• Modifications to shared walls (party walls), such as cutting into a party wall for installations like steel beams during a loft conversion.
• Excavation for foundations within 3 to 6 metres of your neighbour’s property, for example, when building a rear extension.
• The construction of new boundary walls.
With many years of experience as a party wall surveyor and expert building surveyor specialising in residential properties, I can provide the expertise you need. I am well-versed in all aspects of the Party Wall process and can assist in three key roles:
Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor
If your neighbour is planning work that falls under the Party Wall Act, you have the right to appoint a surveyor to represent your interests. It is your neighbour’s responsibility to notify you of their plans, and as an adjoining owner, you are entitled to have a surveyor oversee the process on your behalf. The surveyor’s primary responsibility is to prepare a Party Wall Award, which sets out how the work will be conducted to minimise disruption and protect your property from potential damage. The Award also includes a schedule of condition, documenting the state of your property before any work begins. In most cases, the building owner (your neighbour) will be responsible for covering the cost of your surveyor’s fees.
Building Owner’s Surveyor
If you are the one undertaking the building work, you have an obligation to notify your neighbours of the planned work under the Party Wall Act. I can handle the notice serving on your behalf and, depending on your neighbours’ responses, prepare and serve a Party Wall Award to establish the terms and conditions of the work. This helps ensure the project proceeds smoothly, with clear expectations set for all parties involved.
Agreed Surveyor
In some cases, both the adjoining owner and the building owner can agree to appoint a single agreed surveyor to act impartially. This is generally suitable for smaller projects where a single surveyor can effectively manage the process for both parties, ensuring fair resolution without the need for separate surveyors.
For more information on the Party Wall process, please click here to be taken to the official RICS website
https://www.ricsfirms.com/residential/legal-issues/party-walls/rics-consumer-guide-party-walls/S website
https://www.ricsfirms.com/media/1294/party-walls-consumer-guide-2022.pdf