In simple terms a party wall sits astride a boundary to land owned by several different owners and forms part of a building on one or both properties.
A wall which sits astride the boundary but will not form section of a building is a Party Fence Wall for the purposes of the Act.
The term Party Structure can be used in the Act. A floor structure separating flats is one example of a celebration Structure.
When does the Party Wall Act apply?
The Act will apply when:
Various works are completed to an existing Party Wall or Party Structure
New buildings or structures are erected around or sat astride the boundary line
Excavations are completed up to 6 metres of a structure on a neighbouring property which have the potential to undermine the foundations of this structure
So the Act applies to my works, what do I really do now?
If the Act applies you may be obliged to serve a Party Wall Notice on your neighbour, setting out details of the works accessible and providing key information such as plans, proposed commencement dates etc. In the case of adjacent excavations you may want to provide specialist information on foundations.
You can be obliged to provide your neighbours between 1 and 2 months notice of commencement of work based on which section of the Act applies.
What happens if my neighbour objects to my Party Wall Notice?
The Act gives you the right to complete various types of focus on or about the boundary line so provided your works are included in the Act your neighbour's objection cannot stop you going ahead but means that you will be obliged to check out the Dispute procedure set out under Section 10 of the Act.
This requires one to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to do something on your behalf. Your neighbour has the right to appoint their own surveyor or they could agree in the appointment of an individual 'Agreed' surveyor. Where two surveyors are appointed they'll acknowledge the appointment of a third surveyor to adjudicate/referee where the two surveyors cannot agree.
The surveyor prepares the Agreement/Award which sets out the rights and obligations of both parties and carries a Schedule of Condition of the neighbouring property to record its condition before works start.
What is a Party Wall Agreement/Award?
Party Wall Surveys Darlaston is a written document prepared by the surveyor detailing the rights and obligations of the owners. The contents are agreed by the survey and upon completion the Agreement is served on the owners.
This can be a legally binding document which can be enforced by the County Court where necessary.
Evans Jones certainly are a team of Chartered Building Surveyors in Cheltenham, who have been working with the Party Wall Act since its inception in 1996. You can be dealt with by way of a specialist Party Wall Surveyor with connection with all aspects of the Act who is able to help you simply and clearly how far better meet your obligations under the Act.