Party Wall Act
If your are planning works to your property, you may be surprised to learn that your proposals may fall within the remit of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and that you may need to serve notice to your adjoining neighbours to notify your neighbours. Failure to follow the procedures can result in a lot of distress and costs and could delay your scheme.
Abode Charted Surveyors can provide your party wall advice. We work within the provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This Act puts in place steps to safeguard the rights of those undertaking certain types of building work and the rights of their adjoining neighbours. The Party Wall Act works to protect the owner undertaking the works, through the party wall surveyors, by ensuring that the work is lawful, whilst also protecting their neighbour’s rights in the event of damage occurring.
The Party Wall Act in its present form is relatively recent, and we have considerable experience at handling all issues under the Party Wall Act. The basis of the Party Wall Act continues to define and affirm the rights of a person (referred to as the ‘building owner’) wishing to cut into a party wall or to excavate for new foundations within three metres of an adjoining structure. The neighbour(s) that either share ownership of the party wall or are within three metres of the new excavations are referred to as the ‘adjoining owner(s)’. Both parties may appoint a party wall surveyor if the building work is subject to the Party Wall Act.
Party Wall Surveyors
Any building owner wishing to undertake works subject to the Party Wall Act must follow the correct procedure as laid down by the Party Wall Act. The process is not as complicated as it may seem at first and can have substantial practical benefits for both parties. We can act as the party wall surveyors for either or both parties and offer a cost-effective and fast method of protecting all parties whilst complying fully with the Party Wall Act.
Party Wall Agreements
For certain types of construction and alteration you will need permission from your immediate neighbours and we can help provide a suitable agreement to be signed by your neighbours so that planning approval and building work can proceed.
