BRENTWOOD
THE PARTY WALL PEOPLE
We implement the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 in Brentwood. We prepare and serve party wall notices,
undertake schedules of condition and as required, serve party wall awards (party wall agreements).
Our 100% 5-star rating on Google shows our professional, personal and expert service
​We hold memberships 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 travel to client’s premises all over the southeast of England.
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If you have questions about the party wall act, please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
WHAT IS THE PARTY WALL ACT?
The Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 sets out to protect property owners' interests when a project is required, while at the same time ensuring that the project can continue in a timely manner.
The Act requires that when an owner of a property carries out certain works such as digging a foundation within 3m of their neighbour's property, removing a chimney from a party wall, cutting into a party wall for steelwork or building a new wall on the boundary (line of junction), they inform all affected neighbours of their intention by serving the correct notices.
BRENTWOOD: A SURVEYOR'S VIEW
Brentwood is characterised by its high-value, substantial residential properties, ranging from large detached 1930s homes to extensive modern redevelopments. A common approach in Brentwood is the "knock-down and rebuild" or the addition of a significant footprint extension.
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Because many properties sit on generous plots, a common party wall matter we deal with is Section 6 —excavating within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbour. Many homeowners opt for deep-piled foundations to support heavy masonry or glass-heavy extensions, the vibration risks to older, neighbouring structures must be carefully managed.
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Geologically, Brentwood sits on a "cap" of Claygate Member and Bagshot Formation sands and clays. This transition between sand and clay can lead to localized drainage issues. When excavating for new extensions, it is common to encounter "perched" water tables.
As surveyors, we look closely at how these ground conditions might affect the lateral support of a neighbour’s boundary wall or outbuilding, ensuring the proposed method of work includes adequate temporary propping.
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Please contact us for free, friendly expert advice on party wall matters.
