Party Wall Surveyors in Belgravia
Belgravia is home to London’s wealthy and powerful, and the value of the properties on offer is some of the highest in the city. To ensure that any work undertaken is done with due care and attention, experienced Belgravia party wall surveyors can be of service.
Ensure a peaceful party wall process with Hamilton Darcey LLP. We’ll assess the Award objectively, weigh the pros and cons and ensure a favourable outcome for all stakeholders.
What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a shared structure between two properties. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers how to make alterations to your property, including building an extension, having new windows fitted or installing solar panels, which may affect your neighbours.
If you’re planning any work that might fall under the Act, you must follow these steps:
1) Give your neighbour(s) formal written notice at least two months before starting any work – this should include plans and details of the proposed work;
2) Your neighbour(s) have 14 days from receiving notice in which to respond;
3) Appoint a qualified surveyor if an agreement can’t be reached;
4) Sign an agreement with all parties involved detailing when works will take place and what safeguards will be put in place – e.g., agreed times for noise levels/dust control measures, etc.;
5 ) Comply with the terms of the agreement – if you fail to comply, you could be liable for costs or damages.
When do you need a party wall notice?
In most cases, party wall notices are issued for significant works such as extensions and loft conversions. Party Wall Awards can also be required for minor work, such as building a new boundary wall or installing a roof light.
There are three types of party wall notices issued, depending on the work you’re planning to carry out:
- Line of Junction Notice – You’ll need to give at least one month’s notice if you plan to construct a new wall along the boundary line between two properties.
- Party Structure Notice – Notify your neighbour at least two months in advance if you plan to demolish, alter or repair any shared walls.
- Adjacent Excavation Notice – You need this notice if you plan to excavate within three to six metres of an adjacent structure.
Ways to Respond to a Party Wall Notice
There are three options available to your neighbour when responding to a party wall notice:
Provide written consent
Your neighbour consents to the planned works, and no Party Wall Award is required. A Party Wall Award is a document outlining the agreed terms of work between both parties.
In lieu of a Party Wall Award, a Schedule of Conditions should be prepared, documenting the property’s condition before the works.
Dispute the Party Wall Notice
If your neighbour disagrees with the notice, then a Party Wall Award must be issued. Both parties will appoint party wall surveyors to assess the Award objectively. They’ll weigh the pros and cons of the proposed work and provide the best course of action.
Ignore the Notice
If your neighbour does not respond to Party Wall Notice within 14 days, they are given another 10 days. If they fail to respond, the other party can nominate a surveyor to represent them.
All expenses are shouldered by the initiating party, regardless of outcomes. Contact Hamilton Darcey and work with an experienced Party Wall Surveyor.
Who We Serve
Building Owners
Our team eliminates the long, drawn-out negotiating process by providing the legal documentation and expertise to resolve disputes efficiently.
From the design stage to the completion of the works, our surveyors ensure that all parties involved are protected by the Party Wall Awards.
Our Belgravia party wall surveyors are adept at:
- Providing technical advice at the design stage
- Serving party wall notices
- Drawing up Party Wall Awards
- Issuing the Schedules of Condition
- Offering boundary advice
- Neighbour liaison
- Resolving disputes
Adjoining Owners
We bring the same commitment to our clients served with a party wall notice. Our surveyors ensure that adjoining owners know their rights and draw up a Party Wall Award that offers all parties the best course of action.
Our service is tailored to each situation, offering advice and expertise on:
- Party Wall Act 1996
- Rights and responsibilities
- Duty of care
- Mediation services
Frequently Asked Questions
The Act covers repairing, building and demolishing party walls; installing roof lights; excavations within three metres of a neighbour’s property and much more.
As a general rule, all works that involve the shared walls between two properties and any excavation within 3 metres of another property require a notice.
If your neighbour disagrees with the party wall notice, then a surveyor must be appointed to draw up an Award. In all other cases, it is not necessary to select a surveyor, but it is recommended for peace of mind.
A party wall surveyor is an impartial third party who will assess the proposed works in a fair and unbiased manner. They will draw up a Party Wall Award document, which outlines the agreed terms of work between both parties.
The cost of a surveyor varies, depending on the complexity of the work. Rest assured that Hamilton Darcey LLP offers transparent and competitively priced services.
Work with Us
At Hamilton Darcey LLP, we offer a reliable and efficient Party Wall service tailored to you. Our experienced surveyors in Belgravia assess each situation objectively and draw up a comprehensive Party Wall Award that safeguards you, your neighbour and the proposed works.
Reach out to us for:
- Personalised service
- A fair assessment of risks and costs
- Expert advice on the Party Wall Act 1996
- Unbiased opinion