Whether you are a building owner wanting to carry out works to a party wall, excavate close to a neighbouring property or build on or close to your boundary, or are an adjoining owner whose neighbour proposes to do any of those things it is likely that the Party Wall etc Act 1996 will apply to you.
The Act grants certain rights to, and imposes responsibilities on, commercial and residential property owners, and in specific circumstances, occupiers. Outwardly simple, the act can be a minefield for the unwary. Even a small procedural error could result in a court injunction ordering cessation of site works or an agreement between owners, whether formal or informal, being declared ultra vires.
Our experienced surveyors know the act inside out and, whether you are a building owner or adjoining owner, they will guide you impartially through its application, give advice on the rights and remedies of the respective parties and ensure the statutory process runs smoothly.
Advising the owner and adjoining owner on:
- Compliance with the Act and service of statutory services
- Consequent statutory procedures
Appointment of the building owner or adjoining owner as their Party Wall Surveyor or Agreed Surveyor
- Settle by award, jointly with the other party's appointed surveyor, all disputed matters regulated by the Act, as notified and as may arise subsequently.
- If appointed by the building owner, prepare a schedule of condition of the adjoining owner's property.
- If appointed by the adjoining owner, agree the schedule of condition prepared by the building owner's surveyor.