Local Party Wall Surveyors
Local party wall surveyors provide assessments and advice in accordance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If you’re planning to build on or near to a party wall, or if a neighbouring landowner proposes to build on or near the property boundary, a party wall surveyor can help to ensure the work is carried out fairly and minimise the risk of future disputes.
What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do?
A party wall surveyor specialises in dealing with construction matters related to shared walls or boundaries. A shared (or ‘party’) wall inevitably means that two separate landowners have legitimate interests in any proposed works affecting the area. A party wall surveyor can help to protect the interests of one or both parties by ensuring the proposed construction work is carried out in accordance with the relevant law and that the neighbouring property is not subjected to any damage.
Why Use a Local Party Wall Surveyor?
If you want to build on, adjoining or near to a party wall or boundary, you will need to serve the neighbouring landowner with a party wall notice. Although you don’t need a surveyor to do this, it can be advantageous to hire a local party wall surveyor from the outset.
There are strict procedural requirements when it comes to serving party wall notices and any mistakes could result in subsequent approvals being invalid. Furthermore, if the neighbouring landowner does not agree to the work being carried out, you will need a party wall surveyor to help you prepare a party wall award or agreement.
By working with local party wall surveyors from the start of the process, you can ensure that all legal requirements are met and reduce the risk of disputes occurring between you and neighbouring property owners.
The Party Wall Agreement Process Explained
A shared wall or boundary means that neighbouring land or property could be affected by any construction work that is undertaken on, adjoining or near to the shared wall or boundary. Due to this, the neighbouring landowner has a legitimate interest in any proposed works. To accommodate this, the ‘party wall agreement process’ has developed and includes:
Serving a Party Wall Notice
If you plan to build within 3 metres of a boundary or shared wall, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice to all legal owners of affected properties at least two months before construction is due to take place.
In accordance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, neighbouring landowners have 14 days to respond to this notice. If they give their consent, the works can go ahead as planned but it is advisable to have a party wall agreement drawn up to protect both parties. However, if they don’t respond or they object to the party wall notice and won’t consent to a party wall agreement, you’ll need to move on to the next step of the process and obtain a party wall award.
Drafting a Party Wall Agreement
A party wall agreement sets out a framework under which the proposed works will be undertaken and completed. Although it is voluntary and mutual, a party wall agreement can be relied upon if disputes arise in the future.
Essentially, the owner of the neighbouring property or land is consenting to the proposed works, providing they are carried out in accordance with the party wall agreement. One or both parties may commission a party wall surveyor to assess the risk to neighbouring properties and draft the party wall agreement.
Obtaining a Party Wall Award
If the neighbouring landowner will not consider a party wall agreement, then an award may be required. This is a legally binding document that sets out the approved work and any protective measures that should be taken to minimise the risk of damaging to neighbouring land and property, as well as the rights of each party.
If the neighbouring landowner does not agree with the party wall award, they can lodge an appeal at the county court within 14 days.
How to Find Local Party Wall Surveyors
When you’re searching for a party wall surveyor, it’s helpful to seek recommendations from people you trust. If a family member, friend or colleague lives locally and has worked with a party wall surveyor in the past, they may be able to endorse their work and put you in touch with the firm, for example.
Alternatively, you can research local party wall surveyors online, take note of online reviews and recommendations and research the firm to ensure you’re commissioning reputable, experienced, chartered party wall surveyors.
Benefits of Hiring a Local Party Wall Surveyor
Working with a local party wall surveyor offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Extensive legal knowledge
- Awareness of the locale and environment
- Impartial and objective assessments
- Enhanced protection of your rights and property
- Peace of mind
To find out more or to commission a party wall surveyor today, contact our team on 020 3176 0029 or email us at info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk.