Party Wall Act FAQ's
Do you have a question regarding about the Party Wall Act? Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions below. However if you have a question that isn't answered below, or you want to find out more, please contact us on 07912 120 052 , or fill out the enquiry form below.
What is the Party Wall etc Act 1996?
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, building owners in England and Wales have a legal procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall, party fence wall, excavations or building on the line of junction. The Act is designed to minimise disputes and ....
What is covered by the Party Wall Act 1996?
Works covered by the Act include: Cutting into a wall such as inserting a beam. Inserting a damp proof course all the way through a wall. Raising the entire party wall, including cutting off any parts of the adjoining owner’s building which would otherwise prevent this and ....
What is a Party Wall Award?
At Route5qs we prepare a fair and impartial Party Wall Award/Agreement, which includes: The right to execute the Party Wall works. The time and manner of executing any Party Wall work. Protection of the neighbouring structure during and after the works. Coverage of common matters may ....
What doesn’t the Act cover?
The Act does not cover everyday minor jobs such as fixing plugs, screwing in wall units or shelving, adding or replacing recessed electrical wiring or sockets or replacing internal wall plaster. It also doesn't cover timber fencing between properties.
Where is a party wall?
When a semi detached or terraced house shares a wall (or walls) with an adjoining owner (neighbour), that wall is known as a party wall. A ‘party wall’ separates buildings which belong to different owners. A separating floor can be a ‘party structure’. Where a wall two ....
I am proposing to carry out work I think falls under the Party wall Act.
It is always advisable to contact a party wall surveyor for advice as early as possible before you are ready to commence works. The surveyor will advise you as to what items of work require the service of a notice under the Act and how to properly appoint your party wall For ....
What if there is a dispute?
If an adjoining owner does not consent then the Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides for both parties to each appoint a surveyor or an ‘agreed surveyor’ (one surveyor acting for both parties). These are statutory appointments and surveyors have a duty to act impartially. ....
Do you require general advice?
We are happy to look at any plans or proposals you have and advise if they fall within the Act on a no obligation basis. Contact us today.
Are you proposing to start building work in the near future?
The process has time frames attached to it and even simple disputes can be elongated. It is advisable to seek advice and issue any relevant notices as soon as possible in the process.
Are you concerned that work is about to start at an adjoining owner’s property but have not received any written notification?
Again we are happy to advise on any plans or schemes that adjoin your property. We can advise if you should have been issued a notice and are happy to correspond with adjoining owners on your behalf. This initial assessment is free of charge.
Have you received a Party Wall notice and don’t know what to do next?
When you receive a notice served under the Act, there would generally be an acknowledgement form attached for returning to the building owner. Before completing the acknowledgement form you should contact a party wall surveyor for advice. On occasion the proposed works may be very in ....
What if I have started my work not realising I should have served notice?
If the works you have commenced fall under the provisions of the Act, those works would be regarded as ‘unauthorised works’. As such, the adjoining owner can take legal action against you to have the works stopped and they can claim their costs and damages from you. If you have the ....
What if my neighbour has started work which I believe required service of a notice?
If you believe your neighbour has commenced works that fall under the Act and you have not been served notice, you should contact a party wall surveyor immediately for advice. The Party wall surveyor will consider the works that are underway and will advise you as to whether have ....
Does the Act give a right of access to neighbouring land?
If a dispute arises under the Act and an Award is published then it is normal to include access arrangements within it. Otherwise the Act provides a right of access, exercisable by giving reasonable notice. Such access is restricted to the carrying out of works in pursuance of a ....
How much does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
Typically, the building owner proposing the works will pay all the Party Wall costs associated with drawing up the Party Wall Award if the works are solely for his/her benefit. Where a difference is deemed to have arisen, and before the Party Wall surveyors produce the Party Wall award, to ....
