PARTY WALL SURVEYORS
Party Wall etc Act 1996
If you are undertaking building works on your property that affects your neighbours or your neighbours are undertaking building works that affect your property you may need an agreement under the Party Wall Act.
We provide a cost effective and efficient service with free initial consultations and advice.
AH Surveyors have agreed over one thousand Awards in the last 30 years acting for both Building Owners, Adjoining Owners and as Agreed surveyors.
The Party Wall Act deals with building works to a shared (Party) wall or the construction of a building close to neighbouring properties or the construction of a new wall or building on the line of boundary between two properties.
When a Building Owner wishes to undertake works of this nature, a notice must be served on any Adjoining Owner who is affected by the works. If the Adjoining Owner does not consent to the work, then the parties are deemed to be in dispute under the Act and surveyors must be appointed and at this time produce a Party Wall Award. We would always advise that the Building Owner writes to or discusses the proposed development with neighbours before the service of notices.
The Act sets out certain time limits for action by both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner and their surveyors. The surveyors have to agree the Award within this time span.
The Act allows for the same surveyor to be appointed by each of the owners, this is known as an Agreed surveyor and they are expected to impartially regulate the Award fairly to both parties. By utilising this method the costs can be reduced significantly.
In general the Building Owner will pay any costs associated with preparation of the Party Wall Award. We are happy to provide a quotation for Building Owners for any aspect of the service. We can also give advice under the RICS scheme if you are not sure about the procedure or your responsibilities and rights.
We would be pleased to advise on whether notices are required on any scheme and what course of action should be followed. Please telephone us to discuss any requirements that you may have and we will provide a competitive quotation to any developing owner.
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