Are you planning building Works?
The Party Wall etc. Act (the Act) applies where various aspects of building works are proposed, such as alterations to a shared party wall including cutting away disused chimney breasts or raising for a loft conversion. It also applies to excavation works near structures in which other property owners have an interest (Adjoining Owners) and where a new structure is to become a boundary feature.
We always recommend that the property owner who plans to undertake works (Building Owner) seeks the advice of a specialist surveyor to define the scope of the works which fall under the remit of the Act, thereby safely mitigating the risk of costly legal action being initiated against them by the Adjoining Owner on the grounds of invalid or deficient party wall notification.
We would be pleased to discuss your proposals during a free initial telephone consultation and then provide a fee proposal for producing party wall notification, which the Building Owner must ensure is served upon Adjoining Owners. Our fee proposal will also include costs for our being an appointed surveyor under the Act contingent on response to such notification from the Adjoining Owners (see Building Owner's surveyor).
Have you received Party Wall Notification?
If you have been served party wall notification, it means you are an Adjoining Owner under the definition of the Party Wall etc. Act (the Act) and an owner of property nearby (Building Owner) is planning building works which fall under the remit of the Act, such as alterations to a shared party wall including cutting away disused chimney breasts or raising for a loft conversion. Excavation works near structures in which you have an interest and the construction of new structures at the boundary with your property may also be proposed.
We would always recommend that Adjoining Owners seek the advice of a specialist surveyor to better understand the works, perceived risks, and any wider implications, since the notification will rarely make this apparent.
We would be pleased to discuss the notification during a free initial telephone consultation to help inform Adjoining Owners on how to respond and then seek an appointment where a consent response is not favoured (See Adjoining Owner's surveyor). However, we are not averse to advocating a consent response or the appointment of the agreed surveyor where the works are of a simple nature, represent low risk and the Building Owner is known and trusted to the Adjoining Owner.