CHESHUNT
THE PARTY WALL PEOPLE
Do you need help with the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 in the Cheshunt area? We can help you with free advice and can serve party wall notices,
we can undertake schedules of condition and if required, produce and serve party wall awards (party wall agreements).
Our 100% 5-star rating on Google is an evidence of our professional, personal and expert service
We hold membership with the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
We carry Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
The Party Wall People are located in Chelmsford, Essex and carry out work all over the southeast of England.
If you have any questions about the party wall act, please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
It is really important to consider the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and whether it applies.
The Act is designed to enable works to proceed while resolving and preventing disputes between property owners during building works that may affect shared walls or boundaries. Here are key reasons why it's crucial to consider the Party Wall Act:
Its the law
Compliance with the Party Wall Act is a legal requirement for certain types of construction work. Ignoring it can lead to legal consequences and potential financial liabilities.
It Prevents and Settles Disputes
The Act provides a framework for communication and agreement between property owners, reducing the likelihood of disputes arising during or after the construction process.
Neighbourly Relations
Following the Act fosters positive relations with your neighbours by ensuring transparency and open communication about the planned building works.
Legal Protection
The Act provides legal protection for both the property owner undertaking the construction and the adjoining property owner. It establishes rights and responsibilities through formal agreements.
Smooth Construction Process
Adhering to the act helps facilitate a smoother construction process by addressing potential issues upfront and establishing a clear framework for the work.
Avoid Delays
Ignoring the Party Wall Act can lead to delays in your construction project if disputes arise and legal processes are initiated. Complying with the Act helps prevent such delays.
In summary, considering and complying with the Party Wall Act is important for legal compliance, positive neighbour relations, and the smooth progression of your construction project. If you are unsure whether the Act applies to your project, seeking professional advice from an expert surveyor is recommended. Contact us for help
YOU MAY WONDER ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
CAN I START WITHOUT A PARTY WALL AWARD?
You can’t start any of the notifiable works without a consent from your neighbour or until a Party Wall Award has been served. However, you may be able to do some works related to the project which have been approved by planning approval for example. Lots of people serve the notices and even get an award in place before planning is approved to save time.
WHO WILL PAY THE FEES?
Most of the time, the Surveyors fees are covered by the Building Owner. The cost of two different surveyors will usually be higher than that of an Agreed Surveyor. It is worth knowing that the time to agree the Party Wall Award might also be longer.
CAN I JUST SERVE MY OWN PARTY WALL NOTICE?
Yes, you are able to produce and serve your own notices… But if they are served incorrectly they are invalid, and you will need to start all over again which could delay the start of your project. Having this done early on by a Party Wall Surveyor will deal with this potential risk.
WHAT ABOUT BOUNDARY LINE ISSUES?
The Act is not the tool to resolve boundary disputes and party wall surveyors have no powers to do so… The Act cannot be applied until a boundary dispute is resolved. In the case of a section 6 notice, which deals with excavations within a certain distance of the adjoining owner's property, the boundary location is not relevant.
WHEN SHOULD I NOTIFY MY NEIGHBOURS?
Timing is really important, so reviewing your project with a Party Wall Surveyor to run through your project and check if any elements will require serving notice removes stress from the project early on, allowing you to concentrate on the rest of the job. We would recommend getting in touch as soon as a planning application has been submitted, if you intend to begin works promptly.
CAN MY NEIGHBOUR STOP MY PROJECT?
Your neighbour can’t stop you carrying out the project by not responding within the required timeframe. If this happens then the Act allows you to appoint another Surveyor on their behalf so that a Party Wall Award can be served. You can’t have an Agreed Surveyor in this scenario.
WHAT IF I JUST DON’T SERVE A NOTICE?
It is illegal to begin any notifiable works without a notice. Your neighbour has the right to serve an injunction and stop the work.
If you have done some work which might hinder your neighbour’s ability to have a project of their own, without serving the correct notice, you will be liable to compensate for any remediation or damages caused under common law. You will have to cover the cost for undoing this work and any related design fees.