What is a Party Wall Notice?
A Party Wall Notice is a legal document that is prepared by the
Building Owner or his/her representative (i.e. Party Wall Surveyor)
regarding the works he/she intends to carry out to their property and
which may affect the Party Wall – structures which are on the boundary
line between two properties. The Party Wall Notice is intended to inform
the Adjoining Owners of the implications of the works.
Why Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor?
A surveyor is needed in order to follow the procedures set out in the
Party Wall Act and to determine how and when the building work is
carried out. This will help to minimise disputes arising between the two
(or more) neighbours.
What is a Party Wall Award?
When there is difficulty agreeing to building works, the Party Wall Surveyor would prepare a document known as a Party Wall Award. This describes in detail the proposed work and how and when it will be carried out. The Award also includes a Schedule of Condition, which will record the condition – prior to the work being undertaken – of any parts of your property which may be affected by the works. This Party Wall Award ensures that both parties’ interests are satisfied and that the works will be carried out in satisfactorily, with your structure being reinstated back to its original condition, as captured in the Schedule of Condition.
Under the Award the surveyor would be granted access to both properties in order that he can make the necessary inspections during the course of the works.
The Award would also establish who is responsible for funding the building work and paying the Party Wall Surveyor fees. It is usually the Building Owner implementing the works that would pay for all the expenses.