What is the Party Wall Act of 1996?
What is the Party Wall Act?
Although the Party Wall Act is relatively recent, similar Acts have been in force within the London area for hundreds of years. The basis of the Party Wall Act continues to define and affirm the rights of a person (referred to as the building owner) wishing to cut into a Party Wall or to excavate for new foundations within three metres of an adjoining structure (subject to certain criteria). The neighbour(s) that either share ownership of the Party Wall or are within three metres of the new excavations are referred to as the ‘adjoining owner’. Both parties may appoint a Party Wall surveyor if the building work is subject to the Party Wall Act.
The Party Wall Act 1996 covers three variable styles of work. Alterations to party structures (walls and floors). Construction of new walls on a boundary and the excavation nearby to neighbouring properties.
Examples;
- Loft conversions where beans are being altered into a party wall
- Chimney breast removal where they are part of a party wall
- Excavating foundations of a new extension when within 3m of neighbouring structures
- Moving a party wall to allow a basement conversion
When construction falls within an Act, it is compulsory that the building owner serves consent and approval from the neighbouring building owner. If in the case where the two neighbouring building owners are in dispute then a party wall surveyor must create a party wall agreement to resolve the issues. If in the instance both two surveyors are still in dispute then a third surveyor can be appointed.
Here at Routeqs we offer an array of services including quantity surveying, estimating/cost consultants, project management, energy/SAP calculations & party wall surveying. Having this diverse blend of teams allows us to give you the very best of services across an array of evaluations and adhering to numerous building acts and regulations stress free.
Contact us for our Party Wall Surveyor Service
For more information regarding our Party Wall Surveyor Service contact us direct today. Call us on 07912 120 052 or fill out our confidential online enquiry form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
