WICKFORD
THE PARTY WALL PEOPLE
We are the experts at implementing the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 in Wickford. We can prepare and serve party wall notices, undertake schedules of condition and if required, produce and serve party wall awards (party wall agreements).
Our 100% 5-star rating on Google speaks to our professional, personal and expert service
​We hold full 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 based in Chelmsford, Essex and travel to client’s premises all over the southeast of England.
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If you have any 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. If you are in Wickford and need advice, please do reach out. 01245 526 762 or info@tpwp.co.uk
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.
WICKFORD: A SURVEYOR'S VIEW
Wickford has seen significant growth since the mid-20th century, resulting in a vernacular dominated by 1930s to 1970s semi-detached houses and a high concentration of bungalows.
In areas like the Shotgate estate, we frequently manage party wall matters for rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions. A specific local challenge in Wickford is the density of bungalows; when a homeowner adds a second story or a large extension, the proximity to the neighbour’s relatively low-profile dwelling means that controlled access for scaffolding (Section 8 of the Act) become primary points of discussion.
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The geology of Wickford is defined by the London Clay Formation and its proximity to the River Crouch. The clay here is particularly plastic, meaning it is highly susceptible to volume changes.
For homeowners, this means that even a modest extension often requires foundations that are significantly deeper than the original house to ensure stability. We focus on ensuring that your party wall award includes a relevant method statement for these excavations, protecting the adjoining property from the risk of subsidence or heave caused by the removal of soil near the boundary.
