Party Wall In Guildford

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.

Can You Halt Building Work Using the Party Wall Act?

As an adjoining owner, you have certain rights when it comes to building work on a shared wall in Guildford. If you don’t want the work to go ahead at all, you may be wondering if you can use the Party Wall Act to stop it. In this article, we’ll explore your options and what you can do to protect your property rights.

Understanding the Party Wall Act

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a UK law that provides a framework for resolving disputes between neighbouring property owners when building work affects a shared wall in Guildford. The building owner must serve a notice on the adjoining owner, informing them of their proposed work. The adjoining owner has the option to agree to the work or dissent and appoint a surveyor to act on their behalf.

Can the Party Wall Act be used to halt construction?

If you do not want the construction to move forward at all, you may wonder if the Party Wall Act can be utilised to stop it. The answer is no. The Party Wall Act does not authorise you to stop all construction.

However, if you object to the construction and hire a surveyor, you and the building owner can reach an agreement over the work. The surveyor will guarantee that your property is worked on securely and with least inconvenience.

What to Do if You’re Concerned About Building Work

If you’re concerned about building work, the first step is to communicate your concerns with the building owner. You may be able to negotiate changes to the work that address your concerns and allow the work to go ahead.

If you’re still not satisfied, you can dissent to the building work and appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf. The surveyor will work with the building owner to come to an agreement about the work and ensure that it’s carried out safely and with minimal disruption to your property.

Preventing Disputes

Of course, the best way to deal with disputes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. If you don’t want building work to go ahead on a shared wall, it’s important to communicate your concerns with the building owner in Guildford as early as possible. You may be able to negotiate changes to the work that address your concerns.

If you’re unsure about your rights and responsibilities as an adjoining owner, it’s important to seek professional advice. A surveyor can help you understand the Party Wall Act and ensure that your property rights are protected.

Conclusion

While the Party Wall Act does not give you the right to stop building work on a shared wall, it does provide a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring that building work is carried out safely and with minimal disruption. If you have concerns about building work, it’s important to communicate them with the building owner in Guildford and seek professional advice. By taking the right steps, you can protect your property rights and avoid costly legal battles.