Party Wall Surveyors
What is Wimbledon London Party Wall?
If you are planning on undertaking building works near a neighbour’s structure or on a party wall, you may find the need for a party wall surveyor. The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a legal framework for preventing and resolving disputes about party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbours’ buildings. The Act sets out a building owner’s obligations, should you require to carry out works calculated to cause harm or damage. These obligations can easily be discharged by following the procedures as set out within the Act.
Party Wall for Loft Conversions
Loft conversion projects in a terraced or semi-detached property often include beam insertion into a party wall. Therefore, you would need to serve a party wall structure notice (section 3).
Party Wall Agreement for Chimney Breast Removal
Removal of chimney breasts in a property where the chimney breast is attached to a party wall will fall under the Party Wall Act and so you would need to serve a party wall structure notice (section 3).
Party Wall Agreement for Extensions
Building an extension includes excavation within 3m of a party structure which has lower foundations than the neighbouring property and also building up to or astride the line of junction. So, this type of project will also require party wall notices (sections 1 and 6) to be served.
Party Wall for Basement Conversions
Party Wall Basement extensions and conversions in a terraced or semi-detached property will often include underpinning of a party wall and so you would need to serve notices (sections, 1, 3 and 6) under the Act.
What is the Party Wall Process in Wimbledon London?
When the works fall within the remit of the Act, the Building owner has to serve notice and obtain consent from all the Adjoining owners affected by the proposal. If there is no consent, they are ‘in dispute’. In such a situation, the parties have to appoint Party Wall Surveyors to resolve the disagreement by a Party Wall Award.
When Should I Start Party Wall Procedures?
Party wall surveyors always recommend that you should instruct them as soon as you possibly can to avoid delays in your project. Party wall matters involve complicated procedures that need an expert to carry them out. If you do not instruct a professional you could end up paying more money by virtue of a delay in your build and possible legal proceedings.
How to Respond to Party Wall Notice?
If you have received a Party Wall Notice, it is most important to take professional advice before you consent. Fees are usually paid by the individual carrying out the work (known as the Building Owner). It should be at no cost to the person next door (Adjoining Owner). The Building Owner must explain what the building plans mean for your property and what the legal process is, taking care to advise you of your rights as an Adjoining Owner.
How does Party Wall Affect Me?
Issues could arise not just with the party wall itself but also in the surrounding vicinity or adjoining structure in the case of removal of a chimney breast for example, or support to other parts of the property. For loft conversion works, neighbours may have to erect a scaffold, which may be partially on your land. Notice will be served on neighbours within 6 metres if you wish to use a pile driver for pile foundations, as they may affect the surrounding ground and/or neighbouring foundations.
What Rights do I have in Party Wall?
The Party Wall Act gives the Building Owner several rights, such as rights of access over your land to enable the work to be carried out. It is also designed to protect the building interests of Adjoining Owners. There are set processes for establishing how and when the work will be carried out, with the ability to claim compensation for any damage caused.
Our panel of party wall surveyors have years of experience and in-depth knowledge of party wall matters in Wimbledon London and can help you through the often complicated process.
