Like most of the commercial and residential services that we offer, a party wall survey benefits all parties involved – in this case, the property owners on either side of a shared wall.
Party walls are any shared walls that separate adjoining buildings and gardens and all building work done on either side of these walls must respect the boundaries of both properties. Any project that involves shared walls or toes the boundary must be agreed upon by both parties before any work can begin, and if this agreement can’t be reached, then a party wall survey should be carried out.
Our party wall services will guide you through this process and represent your interests, whether you are serving your neighbours notice or have received one yourself, and ensure that all planned works are fully compliant with the relevant legislation.
Do I need a party wall survey?
The Party Wall Act 1996 protects the interests of all parties by requiring a Party Wall Agreement to be obtained before any works begin, so are you planning to:
- Repair, rebuild, or alter an existing party wall?
- Have work done involving party structures (walls, floors, etc)?
- Excavate up to the boundary of a party wall?
- Build walls or structures along this boundary?
- Arrange a loft conversion or building extension?
Then you will need to inform your affected neighbours well in advance by putting your planned works, project timeline, and access requirements (if needed) in writing and sending it to them as a formal notice. This is known as a party wall notice and will form the basis of the agreement, and our team will be happy to assist you in identifying neighbours, preparing notices and beginning negotiations.
Your neighbours will then need to respond to this in writing giving their expressed permission before your project can begin. However, if they refuse to give you permission or answer your notice within 14 days, and ignore your requests for amended terms, then you are officially in dispute and will need to appoint a party wall surveyor to resolve the situation.
How will a survey help me?
Just as the Party Wall Act prevents construction, alteration, or conversion works that breach the boundaries of adjoining properties, party wall surveys ensure that all building works comply with the requirements of the Act and overcome any disputes between the parties.
Having a party wall survey done at the start of the project will protect the interests of all those involved and clarify your responsibilities as the party carrying out the works. These independent and impartial inspections are performed by party wall surveyors and involve a full assessment of the proposed works and of the wall’s condition, as well as any surrounding areas.
This information is then used to produce a party wall award that details everything from the condition of both properties to the project timeline, with photographs as evidence. Now if any damage occurs over the course of the project, then it can be quickly identified and the affected party will have a clear case to demand compensation or repairs. Both parties will receive a copy of the impartial award to agree upon and sign, but if either neighbour wants to dispute it then they will have 14 days to appeal to the county court.
Our party wall services aim to reduce the risk of property damage, guarantee accountability, and smooth over any tensions that could delay the project and damage neighbourly relationships. If your neighbours have already disputed your notice or you sense issues ahead, then an impartial survey will represent everyone’s interests and protect both properties, and we invite you to get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements or to book an appointment.
Book your party wall survey
Don’t let any delays or disagreements affect your project plans.
We offer legal guidance and advice to homeowners across Birmingham and London, so minimise the risk of disputes and secure your neighbours agreement by arranging your survey today.