What is a Party Wall?
Simply put, a party wall is a shared wall or structure that stands on, or adjacent to, a boundary between two or more properties. The most common examples are the walls that separate terraced or semi-detached houses.
A party wall can also be:
- A garden wall, this is referred to as a party fence wall.
- A floor or celing that separates flats.
- Excavations within 3 to 6 metres of your neighbour’s property and below the depth of their foundations.
What is a Party Wall Surveyor?
A party wall surveyor is a professional who helps neighbours to work together when one of them is planning to do building work that affects a shared wall or Boundary. The role of the party wall surveyor is to be impartial in these matters. Their duty is to the law, that is the Party Wall Act and not to the person who appoints them, they are to act as a fair and independent professional and not to take sides.
Why would I need a party wall surveyor?
If you are starting building work such as an extension or loft conversion, or your neighbour has served you a notice to say they will be starting such work then a party wall surveyor can help with this process and ensure it is done legally and fairly for all parties involved.
What is the Party Wall Act?
The Party Wall Act 1996 is a law that applies in England and Wales. The act provides a framework for preventing or resolving disputes between neighbours in relation to party walls, party structures, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. Anyone intending to carry out work of the kinds described in the Act (that is notifiable works) must give Adjoining Owners notice of their intentions.
For further information see below.
Examples of Notifiable works:
BUILDING ON THE LINE OF JUNCTION
When a building owner wants to build on or touching the boundary, or the line of junction. (the Line of junction is the boundary line between two neighbours)
These notifiable works are covered by Section 1 of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996
WORKS TO A PARTY WALL
When a building owner wants to carry out any work that affects a party wall.
Examples of this could be:
- Loft Conversions
- Inserting steel beams (into your neighbours wall)
- Raising a Party wall (building on top of an existing wall)
These notifiable works are covered by Section 2 of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996
EXCAVATIONS
When a building owner wants to excavate within three or six metres of a neighbouring property.
These notifiable works are covered by Section 6 of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996