What is Party Wall Work?

This page, and those under the links to the left, is for those that are unfamiliar with obtaining property surveys who would like a greater general understanding before they telephone or contact the appropriate Chartered Surveyor closest to the subject property.

Many people do not wish to read long explanations. In which case, telephone the Chartered Surveyor where you need a survey or advice and he or she will be happy to discuss and explain the options to you. You will then be able to discuss the most appropriate course of action and make a fully considered decision.

Sometimes the most appropriate kind of inspection can vary for different people, as well as for different properties, meaning personal advice from an experienced professional is often the only way to really ascertain what you need.

Virtually all Chartered Surveyors will adapt and carry out an individual building inspection to suit your individual needs. A bespoke service or an extra to a typical survey format should enable all the requirements of a client to be addressed.

For those that wish to read a general summary of the most common types of Survey and Advice, read on....

Party Wall Work

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 introduced a procedure for resolving disputes between owners of neighbouring properties, arising as a result of one owner's intention to carry out works which would affect the party wall, involve the construction of a party wall or boundary wall at or adjacent the line of junction between the two properties or excavation within certain distances of a neighbour's structure and to a lower depth than its foundations.

In order to settle such disputes, the surveyor (agreed Surveyor where both parties concur in one person) or surveyors (where each party appoints their own surveyor) will resolve the dispute by making an Award, which is legally binding on both parties.

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There are a number of other types of building assessment possible. To select the most appropriate service, we are, as aforementioned, of the opinion that the most appropriate course of action is to speak to the Chartered Surveyor who knows the area well and can discuss your individual requirements.

Please remember that Chartered Surveyors are often onsite and therefore uncontactable even with mobile phones. If you telephone and get an answerphone, please leave a message, or e mail the surveyor, and he or she really will call you back as soon as is possible.

If you have any questions on property matters, or proposals for advice articles, do not hesitate to write to us via the Contact Us page.