Work cannot be undertaken on or near a party wall without proper notice being served on the adjoining owner.  The Party Wall Act 1996 confers new rights and duties upon building owners which require careful consideration before any work is commenced.

If an agreement cannot be reached between the two parties concerning proposed works, surveyors must be appointed to settle the dispute by the issue of an Award which sets out the manner in which the work is to be undertaken and protective measures necessary for the adjoining property.  Each party can appoint their own surveyor with a third appointed as arbitrator/umpire or alternatively a single ‘agreed surveyor’ can be appointed.

Paul Grundy Surveying can advise the Building Owner wishing to undertake work to his property if the Party Wall Act 1996 applies and if so what notices need be served.  We can also advise an Adjoining Owner about work that his neighbour wishes to undertake.  Either party or both parties may appoint us as their Party Wall Surveyor to ensure that the Act is complied with.