Faulkners Surveyors St Albans

If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary with your neighbour, you might need a party wall agreement.

It’s a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved in the construction process.

Understanding the Scope of the Party Wall Act - Faulkners, St Albans

The Party Wall Act is a legal framework that governs the rights and obligations of building owners and adjoining owners in St Albans when undertaking construction work that may affect a shared wall or boundary. However, not all construction work is subject to the Party Wall Act. In this article, we will explore the scope of the Party Wall Act and how Faulkners, located in St Albans, can assist you in complying with this legal framework.

What is the Party Wall Act?

The Party Wall Act was introduced in 1996 to provide a legal framework for building owners and adjoining owners to resolve disputes arising from construction work that affects a shared wall or boundary. The Act sets out the process for serving notices, appointing surveyors, and resolving disputes.

When Does the Party Wall Act Apply?

The Party Wall Act applies to the following circumstances:

Building on or at the boundary line between properties

If you plan on building on or at the boundary line between your property and your neighbor’s property, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbor.

Excavating near a neighboring property

If you plan on excavating near a neighboring property, such as for a basement extension, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbor.

Modifying an existing party wall or boundary structure

If you plan on modifying an existing party wall or boundary structure, such as by adding a new beam or removing a chimney breast, you must serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbor.

Advantages of Complying with the Party Wall Act

While complying with the Party Wall Act can be a challenging process, there are several advantages to doing so:

Protecting Your Interests

Complying with the Party Wall Act ensures that your interests are protected, and any potential damage to your property is addressed.

Resolving Disputes

Complying with the Party Wall Act can help resolve any disputes or misunderstandings between the building owner and the adjoining owner.

Avoiding Legal Issues

Complying with the Party Wall Act ensures that all parties involved comply with the law and any legal requirements, avoiding any potential legal issues in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Party Wall Act applies to building on or at the boundary line between properties, excavating near a neighboring property, and modifying an existing party wall or boundary structure. Complying with the Party Wall Act is essential to protect your interests, resolve disputes, and avoid any potential legal issues in the future. At Faulkners, located in St Albans, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors can assist you in navigating the legal process of the Party Wall Act, protecting your interests, and ensuring that all parties involved comply with the law.