PARTY WALL & BOUNDARY MATTERS
Since the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 came into force, property owners in England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall or party fence wall, some excavations close to neighbouring buildings, and new walls at boundaries.
The act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is carried out.
WHAT IS COVERED BY THE ACT?
The act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is carried out.
Raising the whole party wall and, if necessary, cutting off any objects stopping this from happening
Demolishing and rebuilding the party wall
Underpinning the whole or part of a wall
Protecting adjoining walls by cutting a flashing into an adjoining building
Building a new wall on the line of junction between two properties
Excavating foundations within three metres of an adjoining structure and lower than its foundations
Excavating foundations within six metres of an adjoining structure and below a line drawn down at 45 degrees from the bottom of its foundation
Where an adjoining owner’s agreement to the works cannot be obtained, the act provides a solution by requiring each owner to appoint a surveyor.
The surveyor(s) will act impartially in agreeing the time and manner in which the works can be carried out. A part wall award will be drawn up to regulate the work and record the condition of the adjoining owner’s property providing a basis for agreeing compensation in the event that the works cause damage.
Whilst anyone can act as a party wall surveyor, it makes good sense to use a qualified building professional with experience and knowledge of party walls. Atlas employs specialists within this field and are therefore well positioned to act in this matter.