Are you an Adjoining Owner/Neighbour? Have you received a Party Wall Notice?
Don’t panic, this is a legal requirement if your neighbour is undertaking certain building work.
Your neighbour wants to commence work and you have received a party wall notice from them. Please do not feel daunted or overwhelmed. You have 14 days to respond and we can help you to understand the process, to make a start below we have shown the options you have for your response to this written notice:
CONSENT
You are happy to agree to your neighbour starting the proposed building work without a Party Wall Agreement.
If you are unsure then please contact us for a free no obligation consultation.
CONSENT
with a schedule of condition
A Schedule of Condition would be prepared by a Party Wall Surveyor.
This report would provide a record of the current condition of your property including photos before any work starts. This would then give you some protection against any potential damage.
Even if you do decide to consent then this is a good option.
The cost of the Schedule of Condition would be covered by your neighbour proposing to do the work.
* The photos of your property would not be shared with anyone, but would be securely stored by using case they are needed in the future.
DISSENT
appointment of an Agreed Surveyor
(an Agreed Surveyor is one surveyor Agreed upon to be used by both parties)
Once you dissent to the proposed work of your neighbour then a dispute has occurred.
You can appoint the same surveyor your neighbour is using if you wish.
Please note that this is possible as an agreed Surveyor acts on behalf of the law as an impartial party.
This Agreed surveyor will then prepare a Party Wall Award including a Schedule of Condition, this is a legal document that is impartially prepared to resolve the dispute.
The cost of this option would be covered by your neighbour proposing to do the work.
DISSENT
appointment of two surveyors
Once you dissent to the proposed work of your neighbour then a dispute has occurred.
You can choose to appoint a different surveyor to the one your neighbour has appointed.
The two surveyors would work together to produce and serve a Party Wall Award including a Schedule of Condition to both owners.
Please note that both surveyors act on behalf of the law as impartial parties.
A third surveyor would also have to be appointed and would have to be consulted if the two surveyors could not agree.
The cost of this option would be covered by your neighbour proposing to do the work.
Respond to A Notice
If you have been served with a Party Wall Notice by your neighbour and would like to respond online please complete the form below.