Our Party Wall services
Looking for help? We’re here to help with any steps along the way.
Building Owner
If you are proposing to undertake certain construction works, you are defined as a Building Owner under the Act. We can quickly determine if you works are subject to the provisions of the Party Wall Act.
Adjoining Owner
If you are next to building works, or have been served a Party Wall notice then you are an Adjoining Owner under the Party Wall Act.
What is the Party Wall Act?
Primarily the Act is a framework which resolves disputes between two parties when certain building works take place. The Act also provides a mechanism to the Adjoining Owner to ensure their property is safeguarded and/or compensated when appropriate.
We make the complicated, easy. Contact us today to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Simply put, a Party Wall is a wall shared by both a Building Owner and an Adjoining Owner.
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If your proposed works trigger section 1, 3 or 6 of the Act then yes you will need to serve notice. We can quickly advise if your proposed works will impact an Adjoining Owner.
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If you are digging foundations, then you serve notice at least one month before works commence. If you are undertaking work to a party wall then you must serve notice at least two months before you intend to start.
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In almost all scenarios, the Building Owner will pay for the reasonable fees of both their surveyor and that of the Adjoining Owner. Simply put, in most circumstances the Adjoining Owner does not stand to benefit from the works. There will be complicated situations where fees are apportioned due to repairs to a defective shared structure as an example.
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We recommend immediately taking photos of your property close to the works to establish a prior condition. Then speak directly with your neighbour to inform them of the Party Wall Act and to cease works immediately until a Party Wall notice and resolution is sought. Failing this, you may seek legal redress to get a injunction to stop works – you should seek legal advice for this matter.
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When you excavate within 3m of a neighbour property (we mean physical buildings not land), and to a depth greater said foundations then a notice is required. There is also a 6m rule for deep foundations such has a piled design which will also apply.
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Any works which are subject to the Party Wall Act will require a Building Owner to (i) serve a party wall notice and (ii) have consent form the Adjoining Owner or have a Party Wall Award served from your surveyor.
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Primarily the Act is a framework which resolves disputes between two parties when certain building works take place. The Act also provides a mechanism to the Adjoining Owner to ensure their property is safeguarded and/or compensated when appropriate
Other Services
Early Advice
We provide advice to both Building and Adjoining Owners. We appraise proposed works and advise on if the Act supplies, who it applies to & the steps that should follow and when.
Licences
Some works require access on a neighbour’s land to undertake which other legislations may not cater for. I.e. you may need general access, scaffolding or a crane over sail.
Schedule of Condition
We provide succinct photographic and descriptive reports of a property before works commence. These reports are very useful evidence for any future claims of damage.