Author: admin

If you’re planning to carry out construction work that affects a shared wall of structure, you may find yourself in need of a Party Wall Surveyor.

What do they do?

A Party Wall Surveyor is a qualified professional who specializes in resolving disputes that arise under the Party Wall Act. They are an impartial expert, ensuring any work involving the party wall is conducted fairly and legally. Their role includes:

• Advising property owners about their rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall Act.
• Determine if party wall notice needs to be served.
• Serve and respond to party wall notices.
• Conduct a Schedule of Condition on adjoining properties
• Prepare a Party Wall Award.
• Assist with resolving disputes.

Why are Party Wall Surveyors important?

Party wall surveyors play a crucial role in managing the legal and practical aspects of construction work that affects shared structures. Here’s why they are essential:

• Impartial Expertise: They provide an unbiased perspective, ensuring that both parties’ rights are protected and that the work is carried out fairly.
• Legal Compliance: They ensure that all procedures comply with the Party Wall Act, reducing the risk of legal disputes.
• Dispute Resolution: By acting as an intermediary, they can help prevent and resolve conflicts, saving time and money for everyone involved.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is overseeing the process can give both the building owner and the adjoining owner confidence that the work will be conducted properly and any issues will be handled efficiently.

The Act carries no fines or penalties but it is possible that the adjoining owner may apply to the court to have an injunction served in order that you will stop work.

DO YOU INTEND TO CARRY OUT WORK WHICH INVOLVES:

• Work on an existing wall, ceiling or floor structure shared with another property?
• Building on or at the boundary with another property?
• Excavating near a neighbouring building or structure?

If so you must find out whether the work falls within the scope of the Act. If it does you must serve the statutory notice on all those defined in the Act as ‘adjoining owners’.  

Determining if a particular building project is within the scope of the Act is often more complex than simply checking the general criteria stated above. Failure to correctly identify the status of your project  could result in the building works being unlawful. If you are in any doubt you should always seek professional advice.