Party Wall

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 sets out procedures for building works being carried out to or near a boundary with a neighbour. We are experienced in administering this act, which is summarised as follows:

• A building owner who wishes to carry out works to or near a boundary is required to notify the owner of the adjoining property. The owner of the adjoining property can either consent to or dissent from the works. If dissent is recorded then a Party Wall Award is prepared between the two parties. In normal circumstances, Architects or Building Surveyors are appointed to act for the parties with both sets of fees being paid by the building owner.
• If an adjoining owner consents to the works and therefore does not require an Award to be produced, we still recommend that a schedule of condition of their side of the party wall be carried out. This is to prevent any disagreements that may arise due to claims of damage to the wall during or after the works have been completed.

For Party Wall Awards we are willing to agree a fee before the event or to work on a time basis, whichever is preferred. Where you are an adjoining owner then our fees would be paid by the building owner and there would be no charge to yourselves.

If you are intending to carry out building work on or near a boundary or you are worried about your property being affected by neighbouring boundary works, the Party Wall Act etc 1996 exists to look after your interests and resolve any disputes that might occur.

Please contact us if you feel the Act might affect you or to discuss it in further detail.