RICS Party Wall Advice Surveyors in Cambridge & Cambridgeshire

 

Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, building owners in England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall or party fence wall, some excavations close to neighbouring buildings, and new walls at boundaries.

 

The Party Wall Act permits owners to carry out particular specific works, including work to the full thickness of a party wall, while protecting the interests of anyone else who might be affected by that work.  The Act is designed to avoid or minimise disputes by making sure property owners notify their neighbours in advance of certain proposed works. The Act requires that where the adjoining owner does not 'agree' in writing to the works, a surveyor or surveyors will determine the time and way in which those works are carried out.

 

There are some things you can only do to a party wall after notifying your neighbour and either with the written agreement of the neighbour or with a Party Wall Award prepared by a party wall surveyor/surveyors. Such party wall works include:

 

• Cutting into a wall to take the bearing of a beam, for example, for a loft conversion
• Inserting a damp proof course, even if only to your own side of a party wall
• Raising a party wall and, if necessary, cutting off objects that prevent this happening.
• Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
• Underpinning a party wall or part of a party wall
• Weathering the junction of adjoining walls or buildings by cutting a flashing into an adjoining building
• Excavating foundations within three metres of a neighbour's structure and lower than its foundations
• Excavating foundations within six metres of a neighbour's structure in certain circumstances

 

You must also notify your neighbour if you propose to build a new wall on the boundary between two properties.

 

If you intend to do any of these things, you must give written notice to your neighbours at least two months before starting any party wall works or one month for 'line of junction' or excavation works. Where written agreement is not given within 14 days of the notice, the solution the Act provides is for both parties to appoint an 'agreed surveyor' who will act impartially, or for a separate party wall surveyor to be appointed by each owner. The designated party wall surveyor/s will draw up a document called an 'Award'. It is advisable to seek advice from a surveyor on proposed works that may require early notification to try and avoid contravening the Act.

 

Expert Party Wall Surveyors in Cambridge

 

Choosing Party Wall Surveyors means choosing peace of mind. Our dedicated team will offer RICS party wall advice and guidance through the entire process, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect your interests and maintain positive relationships with your neighbours.

 

With a deep understanding of local regulations and extensive experience in the Cambridge and Cambridgeshire area, our party wall surveyors are well-equipped to handle a wide range of projects, from residential extensions and conversions to commercial developments. We strive to provide clear and concise party wall advice, helping you understand your rights and obligations under the party wall legislation.

 

Contact our party wall surveyors today to schedule a consultation and seek party wall advice.