If you live in a semi-detached or terrace house you share a wall (or walls) with your neighbour –that wall is known as a party wall. Since 1996 the Party Wall etc Act has given homeowners in England and Wales a procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall, some excavations close to neighbouring buildings, and new walls at boundaries.
The Act is designed to avoid or minimise disputes by making sure property owners notify their adjoining 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.
Harvey and Partners have significant experience in dealing with contentious Party Wall disputes. Our Chartered Surveyors have protected the rights of many Building and Adjoining Owners.
