Faulkners Surveyors Romford

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.

Does Building Near a Boundary Require a Party Wall Act?

If you’re planning to build near a boundary line, but not directly on it in Romford, you may be wondering whether the Party Wall Act applies to your project. This is an important question to consider, as failure to comply with the Act could result in legal issues and delays. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Party Wall Act applies to building near, but not on, the boundary line and how a surveyor in Romford can help you navigate the legal requirements of the Act.

Understanding the Party Wall Act

To avoid and settle disagreements over party walls, boundary walls, and excavations close to neighbouring structures, the Party Wall etc. Act of 1996 was enacted. Any construction work that affects the structural integrity of a nearby property, including work on shared walls or structures, falls under this category.

Does the Party Wall Act Apply to Building Near the Boundary Line?

Building near the boundary line, but not directly on it, can still fall under the Party Wall Act. This is because the Act also covers excavations that may affect the structural support of a neighbouring property. If your building works involve excavations near the boundary line, such as for foundations or drainage, the Act will likely apply.

What Steps Do You Need to Take?

If the Party Wall Act applies to your building works in Romford, you will need to take the following steps:

Serve a party wall notice: You will need to serve a party wall notice on your neighbours, providing details of the proposed works and their potential impact on the party wall or structure. A surveyor can help you prepare and serve the notice.
Agree on a party wall award: If your neighbours do not consent to the proposed works or fail to respond to the notice, you may need to agree on a party wall award. This is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

How a Surveyor Can Help You

A surveyor can assist you in navigating the legal requirements of the Party Wall Act, including:

Assessing the potential impact of your building works on the party wall or structure
Preparing and serving party wall notices on your behalf
Providing expert advice on the legal requirements of the Act
Negotiating and resolving any disputes that may arise between you and your neighbours
Preparing and agreeing on a party wall award, if required

Conclusion

If you’re planning to build near a boundary line, it’s important to understand whether the Party Wall Act applies to your project. If it does, you will need to take the appropriate steps to comply with the Act and avoid any legal issues or delays. At Faulkners Surveyors in Romford, we have a team of experienced surveyors who can provide expert advice and guidance on party wall matters. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your building project in Romford.