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party wall projects

Simplifying complexity

Stay on track by acting early

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers three distinct types of work; alterations to party structures (usually walls but may also be floors), the construction of new walls at the boundary and excavation close to neighbouring properties.

The Act can be a complex piece of legislation, but used properly by experienced surveyors, it is straightforward. By instructing us in the early stages will keep your project on track and compliant.

Typical examples of work that is likely to be covered by the Act are:

  • Cutting beams in to a party wall as part of a loft conversion
  • Removing chimney breasts that are attached to a party wall
  • Excavating for the foundations to a new extension or building within 3m of a neighbouring structure AND going lower than its foundations.
  • Underpinning a party wall to facilitate a basement extension

Let our experience lead the way, making even complex projects straightforward, keeping you on time and on budget.

Avoiding disputes

Planning to avoid potential problems

Where work falls within the scope of the Act it is necessary for a building owner (the person planning to do the work) to serve Notice and obtain the affected adjoining owner’s consent. If that consent is not forthcoming the parties are deemed to be ‘in dispute’ under the Act and surveyors must be appointed so that the dispute can be resolved by way of a Party Wall Agreement (commonly referred to as an ‘Award’).

Party Wall Surveyors, do not necessarily represent ‘clients’ but ‘bricks and mortar’ instead. The Act cannot be used to stop adjoining development work, but can used to design in possible improvements as early as possible to safeguard structures against predicable damage

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