Party Walls
If your construction or refurbishment proposals involve work to a Party Wall (that is a dividing wall between your property and a neighbour's) or excavation within three or sometimes even six metres of your neighbour's property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 will become applicable.
If the Act applies to your works or that of your neighbour, you need to administer it correctly; that means knowing what can and can't be done; and what you must or mustn't do. Regrettably, if the processes under the Act are not correctly followed, work on-site can be stopped whilst the issue is resolved, with additional costs and delays subsequently incurred. Getting advice from a professional who is fully conversant with the Act, and has experience in this area is not only extremely important, but can also save you time and money.
Matthew Symmonds is a member of The Pyramus & Thisbe Club (the organisation for professionals specialising in party wall matters) and is expert in understanding and working within the parameters of this very significant legislation.
Naturally, getting advice and gaining a general understanding of the processes and your obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 before you start your project, is strongly advised. This can further bring you savings in both time as well as money by assessing and structuring the right way forward from the start. We can provide and implement all the necessary legal procedures to ensure that your proposals are undertaken legally and correctly, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your project.
Inevitably, though, issues and disputes can arise part way through any project, not only in sensitive ones. We can again assist in these situations by using our impartiality to liaise with your neighbours and their surveyors where necessary, to ensure that all parties meet their obligations and are treated fairly.
We are happy and able to act as either Building Owner's surveyor, where you intend to undertake the works, or as Adjoining Owner's surveyor, where your neighbour is undertaking works; we are experienced in both roles.
For more information on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, please use either of the links below
www.communities.gov.uk - THE PARTY WALL etc. ACT 1996: EXPLANATORY BOOKLETwww.rics.org - A clear, impartial guide to... Party walls