The Party Wall Act came into force in 1997 throughout England and Wales. Our party wall surveyor can advise and act for you through the entire party wall agreement process.

If you are proposing to carry out building works which involve work on an existing wall or structure shared with another property, constructing a free standing wall or wall of a building up to or abutting the boundary with a neighbouring building, or excavating near to a neighbouring property, it is very likely that you will require a Party Wall Agreement.

What is a Party Wall?

There are several kinds of structure that constitute a party wall. The definition is a wall that stands along the boundary of land within at least two different ownerships. Examples include the shared walls between terraced and semi-detached houses or walls that run between two gardens at the boundary.

A wall standing wholly on land within a single ownership, but used by at least two owners to separate their properties will also fall under the party wall act. Examples include where a neighbouring structure abuts a wall that is within the other neighbour’s ownership. The section of the wall that is enclosed by the lean-to is classed as a party wall.

If you need to underpin a party wall, build foundations in close proximity or use the party wall as a structural part of your new construction, it is very likely that party wall agreements will be required.

Why do I need a Party Wall Agreement?

If a party wall agreement is necessary, the first stage is to submit a formal notice with a description and set of drawings of the construction work that is being proposed to the relevant neighbours. The neighbours will then have the opportunity to review the paperwork and either consent to the works or dissent. It is more common than not for a neighbour to dissent and appoint their own party wall surveyor. Under the Party Wall Act, the person proposing the construction works is also liable for the payment of the neighbours party wall surveyors. The party wall surveyors will then draw up a schedule of condition of the two properties and agree any special conditions or payments that may be required to obtain consent to the building works.

Why use our Party Wall Surveyor?

Our Party Wall Surveyor has large experience dealing with Party Wall Agreements and can efficiently manage the entire process from start to finish. Gamut Building Solutions can deal with domestic Party Wall Agreements for extensions and loft conversions, as well as large residential and commercial developments with multiple Party Wall Agreements required.