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Party Wall Matters

Whether you're a building owner seeking assistance or an adjoining owner who has received a notice, our team is here to help.

Building
Owner

If you're gearing up for construction, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 tags you as the 'Building Owner,' and your neighbours become the 'Adjoining Owner(s).'

Certain works might need their involvement as per the party wall procedures. Neighbourly Chartered Surveyors is here to streamline the process for you with just a few simple steps.

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Adjoining
Owner

According to the Party Wall Etc Act 1996, if you're not the one doing the work, you're the 'Adjoining Owner.' The person next door taking on the project is the 'Building Owner.'

If you have received a notice, it means that the Building Owner is following the law and letting you know that the plan to start some works that may affect your property and naturally your life at home or maybe place of work. As you will see on the notice, you need to respond formally.

Let's see your options

 

STARTING BUILDING WORKS

Building Owner

  • Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your building project and party wall requirements.

  • We guide you through the process of serving Party Wall Notices to adjoining owners, ensuring legal compliance.

  • Before construction begins, we prepare a Schedule of Condition documenting the current condition of the adjoining owners property. This serves as a baseline for assessing any potential damage during the works. This is also a great time for us to sit down with your neighbours to explain the process, prepare them for the works ahead and address any party wall related concerns they have.

  • If necessary, we draft a Party Wall Award outlining the rights and responsibilities of all parties, providing a legal framework for the project.

  • Throughout the construction phase, we won’t leave you, we provide ongoing support, addressing any party wall related concerns you may have.

Find out more about each step and schedule a meeting or give us a call. For more reading into the legislation regarding Party Wall Matters, check out the Party Wall Act 1996.

I HAVE RECEIVED A PARTY WALL NOTICE

 

Adjoining Owner

Many haven't heard of the Party Wall Act or received a party wall notice before. Don’t worry!  Neighbourly Chartered Surveyors are here to guide you through the process.

According to the Party Wall Etc Act 1996, if you're not the one doing the work, you're the 'Adjoining Owner.' The person next door taking on the project is the 'Building Owner.'

If you have received a notice, it means that the Building Owner is following the law and letting you know that the plan to start some works that may affect your property and naturally your life at home or maybe place of work. As you will see on the notice, you need to respond formally. So, let's talk about your options.

*Important Note:
Timely communication is crucial. Whether consenting, dissenting, or proposing modifications, keeping the dialogue open ensures a smoother resolution of party wall matters.

Option 1 — Consent

  • If you're comfortable with the proposed works, giving consent indicates your approval to begin works without surveyors input.

  • Smooth progress with no objections. Nothing else happens, the Building Owner will be entitled to begin their works within statutory timeframes.

Option 2 — Dissent

  • You are aware that the Building Owner has a right to undertake these works, however you may have a few concerns about the proposed works. This is not you saying I disagree with the works or that you want to be difficult, it simply means that you would like to appoint a surveyor to represent your interests. With this in mind, you are at liberty to:

    Choose Your Own Surveyor: If you dissent, you can pick your own surveyor to look after your interests.

    Agree on One Surveyor: Or, you and the neighbour can agree on a single surveyor who will be fair to both sides. This works well for smaller and less complicated projects.

  • Dissenting ensures your concerns are considered, and choosing a surveyor protects your interests.

Most Adjoining Owners want to be neighbourly all the while ensuring that their property, home, office or investment is project. Should you appoint us as your Surveyor or Agreed Surveyor we will take you through the following steps:

  • We help you understand the Party Wall Notice received from the Building Owner, explaining its implications and your options available.

  • Before construction begins, we will meet you or your managing agents at your property and prepare a Schedule of Condition, documenting the current condition of your property to safeguard your interests. This is also a great time to sit down together to discuss the process in further detail and address any party wall related concerns you have.

  • We will prepare of review the drafted Party Wall Award, ensuring it adequately protects your rights and property.

  • Throughout the construction phase, we provide ongoing support, ensuring you have a voice during the works.

Find out more about each step and schedule a meeting or give us a call. For more reading into the legislation regarding Party Wall Matters, check out the Party Wall Act 1996.