Have you ever heard of a party wall survey? Chances are, if you are getting into some home renovation or building work, it is important to know. Essentially, a party wall survey is about understanding and managing the legal issues that could emerge, when your building work affects a shared wall with a neighbour. Let’s see why party wall survey is such a big deal.
Before the Party Wall Survey
To get a little bit of perspective, The Party Wall Act is an UK legislation that deals with the control of changes you and your neighbour might want to make or work on in walls that you share. The act was made to make sure any kind of building work is not going to have an effect on the neighbour’s property.
So how does one figure out if you need one? If your project involves any work on or near the wall you share with your neighbour, it is probably a good idea to get a party wall surveyor such Simmons Taylor Hall involved. It’s like getting a guide to help you navigate these potentially tricky waters.
Legal Requirements for a Party Wall Survey
Assuming that you will require a party wall surveyor, here are a few things you’ve got to do:
- Notify Your Neighbours: Before you start any work, you have to let your neighbours know. The thing is, it gives them a heads-up on what you have planned and how it might impact them. Such notice needs to be clear and detailed so they know exactly what’s coming.
- Party Wall Agreement: Basically, it is a contract saying everybody is on the same page.
- Rights and Responsibilities: Both you and your neighbour have specific rights and responsibilities. For example, you might need to make sure that your work doesn’t damage the shared wall, and your neighbour might need to allow you access if it’s necessary.
Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor
So, who’s going to make sure all this gets sorted? A party wall surveyor, that’s who. Here’s what to look for in one:
- Qualifications: You want someone who’s not just good at their job, but is actually qualified. Look for a surveyor who has relevant qualifications relating to party wall subjects and has experience in handling matters related to party walls.
- What They Do: They deal with the technical and legal matters arising from party wall problems. They handle everything from the agreements, to the disputes, and ensure everything goes down fair and legal.
Common Legal Issues with Party Wall Surveys
Even with a surveyor on your side, issues may still pop up. Here are a few common ones:
- Disputes with neighbours: Sometimes, the plans the surveyor comes up with might not be acceptable to your neighbours, or vice versa. Here is where disputes arise, and the surveyor should help you resolve this.
- Compensation Claims: If your work causes any damage or inconvenience, your neighbour might ask for compensation. Your surveyor can help deal with these claims and make sure they’re handled fairly.
Final Thoughts
So, why bother with all this party wall hassle? Following the legal procedure may seem hassling, yet it is important for a smooth and fair dealing between you and your neighbours. Being clear about the requirements and enlisting a good surveyor, will save yourself from many headaches down the line.
