RESIDENTIAL PARTY WALL AWARDS
Our consultants are experienced in all aspects of residential party wall disputes
Residential Party Wall Act Awards
If you are planning work on a wall or structure that is on the boundary line between two or more properties, shared by two or more properties or involves excavations within three metres (sometimes six metres) of a neighbouring property, you need to be aware of your obligations under the Party Wall Act.
The Act is designed to minimise any dispute between neighbours and sets out a process for giving the neighbour notice of any works being planned and how to handle any disputes that do arise.
When does the Party Wall Act apply?
If you are planning any work that might have an effect on the structural strength or support function of a party wall, or that might cause damage to the neighbour’s side of the wall, you must notify the neighbour.
As this is a formal requirement based in law, it’s important that you are sure before starting any works that may be covered by the Party Wall Act that you have fulfilled your obligations under it. If you are unsure, it is always best to seek advice early in the process.
What type of work is covered by the Party Wall Act?
A variety of work is covered by the Party Wall Act which includes:
- Demolishing or rebuilding a party wall;
- Increasing the height or thickness of a party wall;
- Cutting into a party wall to take load bearing beams;
- Any underpinning work carried out to a party wall;
- Excavations within three metres (sometimes six metres) of a party wall that go below the bottom of the neighbouring building’s foundations.
And whilst some types of work obviously fall under the Party Wall Act, it is quite easy to get caught out. For example, work to a shared garden wall that isn’t connected to a building, or work to the floors or ceilings of flats will likely be covered by the Party Wall Act too.
If in doubt, contact us and we’ll let you know whether you need to consider the Party Wall Act as a part of your planning process.
How We Can Help
Whether you’re planning works that fall under the Party Wall Act or your neighbour is planning or carrying out works, we can help guide you through your rights and responsibilities under the Party Wall Act.
Before work begins we can help you identify any obligations placed on your or your neighbour by the Act, prepare and serve all relevant notices under the Act, and record the condition of neighbouring properties before work begins (via Schedules of Condition). And if a dispute arises over works involving a Party Wall we can issue a Party Wall Award under the Act as either an Agreed Surveyor or on your behalf.
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