As a well established firm of Chartered Surveyors in Surrey, Brian Gale Surveyors provide professional guidance on a wide range of property issues. As part of our service portfolio, we advise in matters of boundary disputes, Party Wall Awards and all Party Wall matters across London, Surrey and Sussex.
The Party Wall Act 1996
The need for Party Wall Notices came about as a result of the extension of the original London Party Wall Act to the rest of the country. Subsequently, the Party Wall Act 1996 came into force on 1st July 1997. Enshrined in English law, the legislation applies to the whole country. A useful guide to the Party Wall Act can be downloaded here.
Briefly, if a property owner is altering their property and either proposing to cut into or use a Party Wall to support a structure or build adjacent or near to an existing property, then they are likely to be required by law to serve Notice under the Party Wall Act.
This affects both residential and commercial property owners considering extensions, extending their premises near to boundaries and new development close to adjoining properties.
The process to be followed as set out by the Act can be complex. While a general overview and Government guidance can be obtained here, it is highly recommended that you seek professional advice from a building surveyor with extensive experience in dealing with Party Wall issues on an issue that is specific to your particular situation.
Our Experience With Party Wall Awards
At Brian Gale Surveyors, we are able to advise clients on all issues arising from the Party Wall Act 1996. We can offer advice to clients, in the first instance as to whether they will need a Party Wall Award and, if so, then draw up any necessary Party Wall Notices/ Awards to ensure that the interests of both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner are protected under the Act.
The Act may require Party Wall Surveyors to be appointed to act for both the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner in relation to any construction matters on or near the boundary. Since the Party Wall process can be complicated, expertise such as ours is highly effective to help protect you against liability, and safeguard your building project from undesirable delays and excessive additional expense.
Contact Us
For detailed information about any issues arising from the Party Wall Act 1996, or to discuss your specific requirements for your next construction project, please call our friendly team on 01737 245947 or contact us.
To discuss Party Wall awards in more detail, simply complete the forms on this page and we will get back to you immediately.
