Party Wall In Dover

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.

How Long Does the Party Wall Process Usually Take?

If you’re planning on carrying out construction work that affects a shared boundary in Dover, you’ll need to follow the party wall process. The party wall process is a legal requirement that ensures that neighbouring properties are protected during construction work. One of the most common questions that people have is how long the party wall process takes. In this article, Faulkners, a surveying firm in Dover, will break down the steps involved and provide an estimate of the time it takes to complete the process.

Step 1: Serve the Party Wall Notice

The first step in the party wall process is to serve the party wall notice. The notice should be served at least two months before the start of the construction work. This gives the neighbouring property owner enough time to appoint a surveyor if they wish to do so. The time it takes to serve the party wall notice will depend on the complexity of the work and the number of neighbours affected. On average, it takes around two weeks to serve the notice.

Step 2: Receive the Response

After serving the party wall notice, the neighbouring property owner has 14 days to respond. They can either agree to the proposed work or appoint their own surveyor. If they appoint their own surveyor, the two surveyors will appoint a third surveyor to act as an impartial adjudicator. The time it takes to receive a response will depend on the neighbour’s availability and their decision-making process. On average, it takes around three weeks to receive a response.

Step 3: Agree on the Party Wall Award

Once the party wall notice has been served and the response has been received, the next step is to agree on the party wall award. The party wall award is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party involved in the construction work in Dover. If an agreement cannot be reached, the surveyors will make a decision on behalf of the parties. The time it takes to agree on the party wall award will depend on the complexity of the work and the number of neighbours affected. On average, it takes around four weeks to agree on the party wall award.

Step 4: Commence the Work

After the party wall award has been agreed upon, the construction work can commence. The time it takes to complete the construction work will depend on the nature and scope of the work. On average, it takes around three months to complete the construction work.

Advantages of Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor

Hiring a party wall surveyor can help to ensure that the party wall process runs smoothly and efficiently. Some of the advantages of hiring a party wall surveyor include:

Expert guidance throughout the party wall process
Protection of your rights and responsibilities during the construction work
Assistance with resolving disputes between neighbours in Dover
Ensuring compliance with the party wall act

Conclusion

In conclusion, the party wall process is a necessary legal requirement when carrying out construction work that affects a shared boundary. The time it takes to complete the party wall process will depend on the complexity of the work and the number of neighbour’s affected. On average, the process takes around three months to complete. If you require assistance with the party wall process, contact Faulkners, a surveying firm in Dover, for expert guidance and assistance.