Party Wall Act & Party wall awards

Hemming Architectural & Surveying Services (HAASS) provide Party Wall Act Services in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. It is a complicated and largely misunderstood area of construction and it is essential you get the right advice. We act for both building owner and adjoining owner with our approach always being fair and even handed, understanding that development often causes friction but if it is controlled in the right manner a Party Wall Award, as well as being a legal requirement, often helps to maintain relationships through the construction phase providing the base document to an open dialogue and considerate construction. Equally, it can enable works to be undertaken where relationships have broken down and access is being unreasonably withheld. Please call our Party Wall experts based in Cheltenham to discuss our services and how we can help you. If you are unfamiliar with the Party Wall Act below is a brief guide to help you understand if it is applicable to you:-

A simple guide to party walls

A wall is a ‘party wall’ if it stands astride the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) different owners. It can be: part of one building or separate two (or more) buildings or consist of a ‘party fence wall’ standing astride the boundary line between lands of different owners. Legislation also covers ‘party structures’ which can be a wall or floor or other structure separating parts of a building.

What’s so important about party walls?

As a property owner or landlord you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities regarding party walls. These have been set out in The Party Wall etc Act 1996. Put simply, you must notify your neighbour and gain approval before carrying out building work, which affects a party wall, or excavations near party walls.

The Party Wall etc Act is there to protect all property owners and avoid disputes. Where disagreements arise, a chartered surveyor should be appointed who will have the expertise to resolve disputes so that work can go ahead.

But I’m only going to put up some shelves!

That’s okay – the Act only applies to certain types of works, such as damp proofing, extensions, and structural alterations. If you are carrying out excavations or laying foundations within a certain distance of a neighbouring property, you must also notify your neighbour. Works such as replastering the walls, fixing a plug socket or putting up shelves do not require a party wall notice. Your chartered surveyor will be able to tell you whether or not a notice is needed.

When should I notify my neighbour?

In most cases, notification must be made at least two months in advance of any building work. When you are carrying out ‘line of junction’ or excavation work, you must notify your neighbour at least one month in advance.

How will my Surveyor help?

After serving a party wall notice (with the support and advice of your surveyor), written agreement should be provided within 14 days. Where this does not happen, the Act states that both parties appoint either an ‘agreed surveyor’ who will act impartially, or they can each can choose their own chartered surveyor who will work together to reach an agreement on both sides.

A surveyor can also act as third surveyor if, in rare instance, two surveyors do not reach an agreement.

Once an agreement has been reached, your chartered surveyor will publish an award detailing how and when building works will be carried out.

Why should I appoint Hemming Architectural & Surveying Services?

We have detailed knowledge of The Party Wall etc Act 1996 and many years’ experience working with our clients to resolve party wall matters, saving them time and money.

Our team are well trained, conscientious and will help with any worries you may have. They will also deal with your neighbour in a clear, calm and friendly manner, ensuring that relations on both sides remain positive. We have dealt with a wide range of party wall matters and will provide expert guidance to both individuals and developers with a varied portfolio of properties.

If you construct your chartered surveyor well in advance of any building works, you have a much greater chance of avoiding any disputes before they arise, so that your plans can move ahead smoothly.

Contact us now for further advice; we look forward to your call on 01242 300826