Party Wall Awards London
At Plansing our reliable party wall award services are prepared to find solutions of the disputes that come under the party wall etc, act 1996. Our RICS certified surveyors have resolved a bulk of party wall awards for the adjoining home owners all over London.
What Does A Party Wall Act Award Include:
A party wall award, also known as (a party wall agreement) is a UK legally binding document that protects the right of both adjoining owners when construction work is carried out on or at the shared wall. This agreement is prepared by an expert and certified party wall award surveyor. This agreement sets out the scope of work, access rights, working hours, and protective measures to prevent any party wall award dispute.
Plansing’s expert surveyors are knowledgeable about dealing with the entire process, from serving notices and conducting the property inspection to drafting and issuing the final award. Our professional guidance ensures you full compliance, minimises risk and secures your property throughout the construction process.
What Does A Party Wall Award Surveyor Do?
A party wall surveyor plays a crucial role in ensuring that construction work affecting the shared or the adjoining wall complies with the party wall act. Their expertise helps adjoining property owners avoid disputes, legal complications and structural risks. They act as impartial professionals, helping protect the homeowner’s rights
Serving & responding to notices
Prepares and issues party wall notices and reviews responses from adjoining owners.
Property inspections
Conduct detailed surveys before and after work to record the condition of neighbouring properties.
Resolving disputes
Act impartially to mediate and settle any disagreement between property owners.
Preparing the party wall award
Drafts the legally binding document detailing the work scope, timelines and protective measures.
Ensuring compliance
Verifies that the construction adheres to legal and safety standards, minimising the structural risks.
Protecting property owners
Helps both properties understand their rights and responsibilities to prevent unnecessary issues.
Monitoring construction work
Oversees compliance with the party wall award and ensures work is carried out correctly.
When Must You Notify Your Neighbour About Building Work?
If you are planning to build work on or over the shared wall, boundary, or structure, you just need to inform your neighbour under the party wall, Etc. Act 1996. You must notify your neighbours if your building work includes the following:
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Building on or up to a boundary line.
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Excavation near a neighbour’s property.
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Work on an existing party wall or structure.
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If your construction work is within the UK building regulation law, then your neighbour can’t prevent you from making structural changes or any alteration or renovation work. Serving a party wall notice at least two months before the work starts allows your neighbours to agree or dispute the plans. If they dissent, this is where a party wall award will be required.
Which Owner Is Affected by the Party Wall Award?
This party wall act affects both building owners and adjoining owners. This includes the freeholders, leaseholders with over 12 months of interest and commercial and residential neighbours.
What Rights Does The Party Wall Award Provide To The Building Owner?
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A party wall award grants the building owner additional rights beyond the local laws, allowing them to carry out specific works on or near a shared wall. These rights include:
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Installing a damp-proof course or flashing to improve water resistance
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Cutting into the party wall to support the structural elements
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Removing projections to eliminate features like chimney breast removal
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Increasing the wall height to accommodate an extension or additional storey.
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Taking down and reconstructing the party wall instead of extending the existing one.
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Underpinning the party wall to strengthen the wall foundations to prevent settlement
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Carrying out essential repairs to address the structural concerns.
Plansing: Your Trusted Party Wall Award Company
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FAQs
Under the party wall etc. act 1996, a party wall award remains indefinitely once agreed upon. However the notice you serve before getting the award is only valid for 12 months. If the work doesn’t start within this time, you will need to serve the new notice.
If You don’t have a party wall award before starting the work, your neighbours can stop the work with a court injunction. They may also claim compensation for any damage caused. This may lead to delays, legal costs and disputes.
You will need a party wall award, if you or your neighbour disagree about work covered under the party wall act 1996. This includes building on or near the shared wall excavating within 3 or 6 meters of their property or making any structural changes in the property.
A party wall award is prepared by a party wall surveyor appointed under the party wall act 1996. This can be a jointly agreed surveyor or one surveyor for each party.