PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Party Wall & Boundary Disputes
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, home-owners in England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work has an effect on a Party Wall.
All semi-detached and terraced houses have Party Walls. Apartments and flats have Party Structures. A Party Wall or Structure separates your and your neighbour’s property.
If you are planning on starting work which will have an effect on the Party Wall you must get your neighbour’s agreement before you commence. Usually this is in the form of document called a Party Wall Award prepared by a Party Wall Surveyor (you cannot act for yourself).
The purpose of The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a Party Wall surveyor to determine how work is carried out. The Act also protects adjoining property owners that may be affected by the work but at the same time prevents them from frustrating the process.
Hodgson Elkington are expert Party Wall Surveyors providing Party Wall advice and Party Wall Awards.
What is a Party Wall matter?
Works which commonly affect the Party Wall include, but are not limited to:
- Building extensions
- Internal or external structural alterations (e.g. removing walls and inserting structural beams)
- Damp proofing
- Excavation work to a level deeper than your neighbour’s foundations if they are within 3 meters (or in some cases 6 metres) of the Party Wall.
If your proposed building works involve any of the above you require the services of a Party Wall Surveyor to prepare a Party Wall Award.
The Act doesn't cover minor jobs which have little effect on your neighbour including drilling small holes for fixings, inserting recessed electrical wiring or sockets and re-plastering. Hodgson Elkington can advise whether your works require a Party Wall Award.
Party Wall & Boundary Dispute Enquiries
For further information on our Party Wall and Boundary Dispute services, please complete the enquiry form below or contact Tim Shaw (Party Wall matters) on 01522 698989 or Peter Hornby (Boundary Disputes) on 01522 698888.