The Party Wall Act protects you and your neighbours during any home improvements – failure to follow the correct procedures could land you with a hefty bill.
What is a Party Wall
Award?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document
prepared impartially by one or more Party Wall Surveyors.
Section 10 (1) from The Party Wall Act states that,
"Where a dispute arises or is deemed to
have arisen between a building owner and an adjoining owner in respect of any
matter connected with any work to which this Act relates either:-
(a) both parties shall concur in the appointment of one surveyor (in
this section referred to as an "agreed surveyor"; or
(b) each party shall appoint a surveyor and the two surveyors so
appointed shall forthwith select a third surveyor (all of whom are in this
section referred to as "the three surveyors")
Section 10 of the Act continues by setting out strict protocol which must
be followed in the preparation of A Party Wall Award.
THE PARTY WALL etc ACT 1996
We offer specialist and detailed advice in respect of the Act and can act for the Building Owner, the party carrying out the works, or the Adjoining Owner, the party whose property may be affected by the works. Alternatively, if the circumstances allow, we can operate as an Agreed Surveyor and represent both parties.
The Act is short but complex and covers issues relating to works to party walls, certain types of excavation, building on boundary lines and other circumstances. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.
