The Party Wall Act 1996
A party wall is defined as a dividing wall between your property and your neighbour’s property, or an excavation in close proximity to a neighbouring property. Enshrined in English law, the act came into force in July 1997 and any refurbishment and construction projects that involve building works to a 'party wall' come under the regulations set out in the Party Wall Act 1996.
How does the Party Wall Act affect me?
If you are undertaking any type of building work that could affect the strength of the structure, or support function, of a party wall. Or the building work carries the potential of causing damage to the neighbouring side of the wall, then the premise is to generally notify this in writing.
The process laid out in the Act will need to be followed and correctly administered if the Party Wall Act does apply to any building work you are carrying out. In order to do this an in-depth understanding is required in terms of what is, and what is not, permissible and what you must, and must not do. It is of the upmost importance as if the Act is not correctly followed, extra costs and delays can be incurred attempting to resolve the issue.
Disputes can arise at any time during building projects and if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached between yourself and the neighbouring party then we can assist in resolving the situation. Using our impartiality, surveyors can liaise directly with your neighbours and their surveyors to ensure everyone is treated completely fairly.
Accredited Party Surveyors
We are a practice of Chartered Surveyors and Building Consultants. Based in Eastbourne, we work extensively in the Peacehaven, Brighton and th Seaford area of East Sussex. Our expert team specialise in the Party Wall Act, providing professional advice on specific situations. We implement necessary legal procedures that ensure your proposals are completed within the defined parameters of the Party Wall Act 1996.
Matthew Symmonds, the founder of Southdown Surveyors, is highly experienced in working within the parameters of this significant piece of legislation. As a member of The Pyramus & Thisbe Club, which is the professional organisation that promotes best practice in the application of the Party Wall Act 1996, Matthew holds an array of experience with all party wall matters.
Our experience in party wall matters range from acting as the building owner’s surveyor, where you intend to undertake the project, or as the adjoining owner’s surveyor, where your neighbour is undertaking the project. With our expertise and knowledge you can be assured that the project will be handled and completed successfully.
Useful Links and Additional Information
We strongly recommend that before you undertake any building work, pertinent advice is obtained in order to understand the processes and obligations of the Party Wall Act. For further guidance please read this detailed explanatory booklet available here. Additional details regarding an overview and guidance from the Government can be obtained here.
The links below also offer useful reading in regards to the Act:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance – Guidance on preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls
http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/glossary/party-walls/ – A clear, impartial guide to… Party walls
To discuss the information above in more detail or to see how we can help please contact our team today.
