PARTY WALL ADVICE

Pilkington Real Estate provides an initial point of contact for building owners and adjoining owners dealing with works that may fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Fred has completed specialist Party Wall training. Where a formal statutory appointment or specialist Party Wall service is required, the instruction may be undertaken or supported by a suitably experienced Party Wall surveyor.

The identity, role and responsibilities of the surveyor undertaking the formal appointment will be explained and agreed before the instruction begins.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply to certain works involving:

• An existing party wall or party structure

• Building on or close to the boundary line

• Excavation close to a neighbouring building

• Structural alterations affecting a shared wall

• Loft conversions

• Extensions involving notifiable work

Whether the Act applies will depend on the proposed work, the properties involved and the relationship between them

Depending on the nature of the enquiry and the appointed specialist, services may include:

• Initial review of the proposed works

• Advice on whether the Act may apply

• Serving or responding to Party Wall Notices

• Acting for a Building Owner

• Acting for an Adjoining Owner

• Acting as the Agreed Surveyor where both parties agree

• Preparing a Schedule of Condition

• Negotiating and preparing a Party Wall Award

• Advising on access, working methods and appropriate protections

Where works are notifiable, a Schedule of Condition may be prepared to record the condition of the adjoining property before work begins.

This helps protect the positions of both parties by providing a clear record should concerns about damage arise later.

Where a dispute has arisen under the Act and surveyors are appointed, a Party Wall Award may record how and when the work may proceed, together with appropriate protections for the adjoining property.

Any formal Party Wall appointment will be undertaken by the surveyor identified and agreed at the beginning of the instruction.

Do not state that Fred has personally completed or prepared Party Wall Awards.

The aim is to help resolve Party Wall matters efficiently and amicably wherever possible, reducing unnecessary delay and cost while ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of building owners and adjoining owners are properly considered.

Add these steps:

1. We review the property, proposed work and current position.

2. We consider whether the Act may apply.

3. We explain the likely next step and the type of surveyor appointment that may be required.

4. The scope, fees and responsible surveyor are confirmed.

5. The matter is managed internally where appropriate or coordinated with a suitably experienced specialist.