Party Wall Services
We are specialist Party Wall Surveyors and member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS). Our office, located in Ramsgate, serves areas across Kent, Essex, Sussex, and London. As experienced Building Owner Surveyors, we represent the interests of building owners. Additionally, we also frequently act as Party Wall Surveyors for adjoining owners, providing essential advice when a neighbor has issued a notice of their intention to undertake works related to the party wall or to conduct excavation activities. Our expertise in Party Wall Services means we are highly focused on your needs under the Party Wall Act. We understand the importance of swift resolutions so that your developments can start and proceed smoothly to completion.
Are you a Building Owner carrying out a Loft conversion? Extension? Chimney breast removal?
Please get in touch with us for free advice on how to effectively address your party wall matter with the help of our expert Party Wall Services.
Call - 07903964723
Or use the contact details below.
There are many reasons why you may need a Building Owner Surveyor concerning a party wall. These could include any of the following:
- Taking out chimney breasts on the Party Wall.
- Putting in a loft conversion.
- Extending your property.
- Carrying out works to a Party Wall.
- Carrying out excavations within 3 to 6 metres of an adjoining property.
- Building on the boundary line.
- Repairs to Party Fence Walls.
- Boundary Wall Disputes.
If you're considering any of the above, it's essential to ensure that your work complies with the Party Wall Act etc. 1996.
Adjoining Owner
What to do if you receive a notice: If you are an Adjoining Owner and you receive a notice under the Party Wall Act 1996, you will have 14 days to carefully consider how to safeguard your interests. If you do not respond or appoint a Building Owner Surveyor within this time period, a further 10-day notice will be issued, asking you to do so. Upon receipt of a Notice, the following three options are available to an Adjoining Owner: Consent to the Notice: If an Adjoining Owner is confident that there will be no damage or adverse effects to their property, they may consent to the Notice, allowing the Building Owner to proceed with their proposed works without requiring an Award. Dissent to the Notice and appoint your own surveyor: The Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor will collaborate with the Building Owner Surveyor to prepare an award that authorizes the planned works. Dissent to the Notice and concur in the appointment of an Agreed Surveyor: If the Adjoining Owner is agreeable to having a single surveyor represent both parties’ interests, that surveyor will act impartially to create an Award. Source - FPWS.org.uk
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Understanding the terms used within the Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act – Common terms:
Party Wall
A party wall (or floor) is a structure that divides and separates buildings belonging to different owners. This wall may span the boundary line or lie entirely within one owner’s land, yet it still serves as the dividing wall between properties.
Party Fence Wall
A party fence wall refers to a wall that is not part of a building but is situated on land owned by multiple parties, such as a garden wall. It’s important to note that wooden fences are not classified as party fence walls.
Line of Junction
The line of junction is akin to a boundary line that separates the lands of adjoining owners and, notably, also extends upwards.
Building Owner
The building owner is the individual proposing to undertake works that fall within the parameters set by the Party Wall Act.
Adjoining Owner
The adjoining owner is the property owner whose premises may be impacted by the proposed works.
Party Wall Surveyor
A Party Wall Surveyor, appointed by either or both owners, will remain impartial throughout the entire process. They play a vital role in resolving disputes that may arise concerning the works to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
Building Owner Surveyor
The building owner surveyor is the professional designated by the building owner who is planning the works under the Party Wall Act.
Adjoining Owner Surveyor
The adjoining owner surveyor represents the interests of the owner of the adjoining property.
Agreed Surveyor
An agreed surveyor is appointed jointly by the building owner and the adjoining owner to oversee the process.
Third Surveyor
The third surveyor is chosen by the building owner surveyor and the adjoining owner surveyor before work commences. This surveyor only intervenes if there are issues that cannot be resolved by the building owner's surveyor.
Notices
Notices are formal written communications from the building owner that outline the proposed works and must be served to the adjoining owner. The building owner is required to adhere to the minimum notice period specified by the Party Wall Act.
Schedule of Condition
A schedule of condition is a comprehensive written assessment and photographic record detailing the state of the adjoining owner’s property before any work begins. This should include any pre-existing defects to avoid disputes over damages attributed to the works later.
Award
An award is a formal legal document created by the surveyor(s), encompassing:
- Details of all parties involved
- The relevant sections of the Party Wall Act
- The methodology for executing the works
- Rights and requirements of the building owner, adjoining owner, and appointed surveyor
- Specific clauses related to the planned works