Faulkners Party Wall Surveyor Melksham
Are you or your neighbour looking to do building works?
Is it near to your boundary wall or across a shared wall?
Are you concerned about damage to your home?
Want clear and uncomplicated advice? Call our team today!
What is the role of a Party Wall Surveyor Melksham?
Faulkners ensure that you get the right survey. From advice around a chimney breast removal, commercial property issues, full building surveys for a new home to schedules of condition. Faulkners can offer a range of professional services.
We cover the whole of Wiltshire and surrounding area. From Salisbury and Swindon to Corsham and Chippenham. Faulkners independent chartered surveyors covering surrounding Wiltshire area are here to help stop and potential issues on your build. For initial advice or help with project management speak to our team today! Faulkners Melksham Surveyors can help with everything from boundary disputes to property surveys – even larger commercial developments and everything in between!
These surveyors are fair, and they make sure both sides do things right for any work that affects shared walls or boundaries. Here are the main things they do:
Guidance on the Party Wall Act: Party wall surveyors help people who own buildings understand what they need to do under the party wall act. They make sure that the owners know about their rights and what they must do. This helps make sure every rule in the act is followed.
Serving Notices: They get party wall notices ready and give them out. This is to let neighbours, also called adjoining owners, know about plans to build or change something.
Dispute Resolution: When there is a disagreement, the surveyor works as a neutral person. They help both sides talk and try to fix the problem in a fair and quick way.
Drafting Party Wall Awards: This legal paper tells what the construction work will be. It explains how the work will happen and lists the steps to keep nearby properties safe from any possible harm. A party wall agreement is there to make sure that people and the building next door are protected during the work.
Property Inspections: Surveyors do careful checks before and after building work. They look over the property to record what it looks like and spot any harm from the job.
Ensuring Neutrality: A party wall surveyor works on their own. They do not take sides with the owner who chooses them or with the adjoining owner. The party wall surveyor is there to be fair to both of them.
By making sure people understand each other, sorting out disagreements, and following the rules, the party wall surveyors at Faulkners help construction projects go well. They also help keep things friendly between neighbours.
What Are the Steps Involved in Serving a Party Wall Notice Locally?
If you are planning to do any work near a shared wall or boundary in Melksham, you need to serve a Party Wall Notice first. This is the first legal step to take under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Here’s how it works:
1. See If You Need to Give Notice – This step is for when you build right up to the boundary, do work on a party wall, or dig next to a neighbour’s place.
2. Prepare the Notice – Add your details, a short note about the work, and when you plan to start.
3. Serve the Notice – Give it to your neighbour in writing at least 1 or 2 months before the work starts. The time depends on what you will do.
3. Await Response – Your neighbour will have 14 days to say yes to your request. If they do not reply, or if they do not agree with the work, then you might need to bring in surveyors.
4. Surveyor Involvement – If needed, a Party Wall Award will say how and when the work can take place.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we take care of everything for you from start to finish. We make sure that every step follows the rules, so you do not have to worry. This gives you peace of mind.
What Should You Include in a Properly Prepared Agreement?
A properly prepared Party Wall Agreement Melksham should clearly set out the responsibilities of both the building owner and the adjoining owner. It helps prevent disputes and ensures work is carried out safely and legally.
1. Details of Both Owners
The agreement must include the names and addresses of the property owners involved to establish who is responsible for the works and who may be affected.
2. Description of the Works
It should clearly outline the nature and scope of the building works that are planned, including how they affect the shared wall or boundary.
3. Schedule of Condition
A record of the neighbouring property’s condition before work begins is essential. This provides a point of reference in case damage is reported later.
4. Working Hours & Access
The agreement should state the permitted hours of work and outline how and when access to the adjoining property will be required.
5. Protective Measures
It should include the measures that will be taken to protect the adjoining property during the construction process, ensuring safety and minimal disruption.
6. Surveyor Details & Dispute Process
The agreement must name the appointed surveyor(s) and explain how any issues or disagreements between the parties will be resolved.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we prepare clear, professional Party Wall Agreements Melksham that protect your project and your neighbourly relations.
Is It Possible to Settle Party Wall Issues Without Going to Court?
Yes, it is absolutely possible — and common — to settle Party Wall issues without going to court.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, most disputes are resolved through an appointed Party Wall Surveyor or two surveyors if both parties prefer separate representation.
These surveyors act impartially and are legally empowered to make decisions that are binding on both parties by issuing a Party Wall Award.
This process:
Avoids the cost and stress of legal proceedings
Encourages communication and fair resolution
Keeps the project moving forward with minimal delay
At Faulkner Surveyors, we help homeowners in Melksham resolve party wall matters swiftly and professionally — without ever needing to step into a courtroom.