WHAT IS PARTY WALL?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers three distinct types of work; alterations to party structures (usually walls but may also be floors), the construction of new walls at the boundary and excavation close to neighbouring properties.
These are some typical examples of work that is likely to be covered by the Act:
- Cutting beams in to a party wall as part of a loft conversion
- Removing chimney breasts that are attached to a party wall
- Excavating for the foundations to a new extension within 3m of a neighbouring or shared structure
- Underpinning a party wall to facilitate a basement extension
Where work falls within the scope of the Act it is necessary for a building owner to serve notice and obtain the affected adjoining owner’s consent; if that consent is not forthcoming the parties are deemed to be ‘in dispute’ under the Act and surveyors must be appointed so that the dispute can be resolved by way of a Party Wall Agreement (technically called an ‘Award’).
If the two appointed surveyors fail to agree upon any of the issues in dispute they can make a referral to a previously selected Third Surveyor.
At Peter Barry we have a 12 strong team of experienced party wall surveyors, assistant surveyors and specialist party wall administrators to help ensure that everything runs smoothly.
We cover the whole of the inner M25 area from our network of London offices so if you are planning on undertaking work that falls within the scope of the Act or have received a notice informing you of proposed works that may affect your property you are very welcome to contact us for some advice.
Often an adjoining owner only becomes aware of their neighbour's proposed works when a party wall notice lands on their door mat. An adjoining owner has the...
An owner planning to undertake works that fall within the scpoe of the Act should start planning earlu; notice periods are either one and two months depending...
In London, our high-density housing means that party wall issues are commonplace but there are set measures in place to enable adjoing homeowners...
Peter Barry Surveyors have more than 10 years' experience of providing a wide range of professional residential surveying and valuation services for properties in...
What Our Clients Say
Tom was very helpful and sent us a very comprehensive report for the valuation. Service was very prompt, professional yet friendly.
My surveyor Mr Shaun Blake was extremely helpful.
I would recommend Peter Barry Surveyors to family and friends.
Peter Barry Surveyors recently completed a survey for me. They were prompt in getting the work done and returning the survey report. Easy no fuss company!
Peter Barry were easy to deal with, understood my instructions and produced the report I needed in a professional manner.
I would highly recommend this firm of surveyors. They helped us purchase our freehold for a fair price and provided professional, straightforward and knowledgeable advice throughout the processes.
Peter Barry Surveyors have provided a valuable and efficient service to my colleague and myself, also answering questions we raised very quickly. They are knowledgeable and helpful and, based on work they have undertaken with us so far, I am more than happy to recommend them.
Related Blog Posts
We’ve been hearing about building material shortages anecdotally for a few months now but more recently reports have filtered through to the national media. The cause of the shortages seems to be a ...
Of all the types of property extension the conversion of a loft space is one of the more affordable in comparison to side and/or rear extensions and they do of course, see you gain additional ...
Over the last couple of years we’ve put on a series of lunchtime CPD sessions covering party wall procedures for Architects, engineers, housing associations and local authorities. We're now ...