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Firstly, a little background to this relatively recent legislation. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 extends party wall legislation and procedures, established in London, to the whole of England and Wales.  It was introduced to avoid and resolve building disputes between neighbours. It defines the legal rights and responsibilities of anyone planning an excavation within 6 metres of an adjoining property or building work on a boundary, to a party wall or, in certain cases, to floors. The Act also sets out the rights of adjoining owners or occupiers.

To assist developers and clients intending to carry out building works, we regularly advise on party wall matters during the very early stages.  We are willing to look at any project and advise whether or not Party Wall Notices are required.

We recommend that any intended work that may impact on an adjoining property is planned carefully. We check what needs to be done and then press forward with the correct procedure.  We generally propose in advance an agreement between all relevant parties which would avoid recourse to appointing surveyors.  If an advance agreement is not achieved, there is risk of delay to the project as work could be stopped whilst agreement is reached.

However, should the issues be complex or the project be resisted, we can be appointed as a party wall surveyor either for where a building owner wishes to carry out building and or excavation works or, alternatively, where an adjoining owner has received notice of the intention of the building owner's works.  In most cases we prepare Schedules of Condition of the adjoining property.  These are agreed between the surveyors so that the interests of both parties are protected.

The advantage of working with YMD Boon is that, whether we are engaged on a project in either one or more disciplines, we understand the importance of integrating Party Wall procedures within the overall project aims.