What is the Party Wall Act?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal framework that governs any construction work affecting party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighboring properties. The Act applies throughout England and Wales, including Greenwich. It ensures that both property owners and their neighbors are protected from disputes arising due to building works.

If your proposed project involves working on or near a party wall, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbors, giving them ample time to either consent or dispute the work. This is where a party wall surveyor comes in, offering professional advice and assistance in resolving any potential disagreements.

What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do?

A party wall surveyor is a qualified professional whose role is to ensure that all parties involved in the construction work comply with the Party Wall Act. Their responsibilities include:

Serving Party Wall Notices: The party wall surveyor will draft and serve the Party Wall Notice to the adjoining property owners, informing them about the scope and timeline of the proposed construction. This is an essential step, party wall surveyor Greenwich as failing to provide a notice can result in legal delays and possible penalties.

Mediating Disputes: If a neighbor objects to the work, a party wall surveyor acts as a neutral third party to mediate the dispute. Their primary goal is to find a fair resolution for both parties, ensuring the building work can proceed while protecting the neighbor’s property rights.

Creating a Party Wall Agreement (Award): After serving the notice, if the neighbors consent or if an agreement is reached, the party wall surveyor will draw up a Party Wall Award. This legally binding document outlines the details of the construction work, timelines, and responsibilities of each party, as well as any precautionary measures to protect the neighbor's property.

Surveying and Monitoring: Before the work begins, the surveyor may conduct an initial inspection of the neighboring property, documenting its condition to prevent future disputes over damage claims. Once the project is complete, they will also inspect the property to ensure everything is in order.

Ensuring Compliance: Throughout the construction process, party wall surveyor Earlsfield the surveyor ensures that all work complies with the Party Wall Award and the legal requirements under the Act. This ensures peace of mind for both the property owner and the adjoining neighbors.

When Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor?

You will need to hire a party wall surveyor in several situations:

Building a new wall on the boundary: If you plan to build a new wall that directly affects the boundary with your neighbor’s property.

Altering an existing party wall: This includes any work such as extending, demolishing, or otherwise altering a shared wall.

Excavation near a neighboring property: If you’re digging within three meters of your neighbor’s property and the excavation goes below the foundation level, the Party Wall Act applies.

Choosing a Party Wall Surveyor in Greenwich

When selecting a party wall surveyor in Greenwich, it’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced professional. Look for surveyors who are members of recognized professional bodies such as the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). These accreditations indicate that the surveyor adheres to high professional standards and is well-versed in party wall matters.

Additionally, a local surveyor with experience in Greenwich will be familiar with the types of properties in the area and any specific local regulations, which can streamline the process.