Faulkners Surveyors Barnsley

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.

Should You Serve a Party Wall Notice?

If you’re planning construction work on your property in Barnsley, it’s likely that you’ll need to consider the party wall implications. A party wall is a dividing wall between two adjoining properties and it’s important to make sure that any works don’t cause any damage to it. In such cases, a party wall notice might be required before you can proceed with the construction work. In this location page, we’ll discuss party wall services in Barnsley and help you determine whether you need to serve a party wall notice.

What Are Party Wall Services?

Faulkners Party wall services are professional services that help you navigate the legalities of constructing or excavating near a party wall. These services typically include providing advice on the Party Wall Act 1996, preparing party wall notices, and handling any disputes that might arise.

The Party Wall Act 1996 Explained

The Party Wall Act 1996 is a piece of legislation that governs the rights and obligations of property owners in Barnsley when it comes to party walls. It was introduced to protect the interests of property owners and to provide a framework for resolving disputes that might arise.

Under the Act, if you’re planning construction work that could affect a party wall, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice on your neighbour. The notice should include details about the work you’re planning to carry out and give your neighbour at least two months’ notice before you start the work.

When Should You Serve a Party Wall Notice?

According to the Party Wall Act 1996, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice if you’re planning any of the following types of work:

Excavating within three meters of your neighbor’s property
Excavating within six meters if your excavation will go below your neighbor’s foundation
Building a new wall on or at the boundary line between your property and your neighbor’s property
Making alterations to an existing party wall
Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
Cutting into a party wall to insert beams and other supports

If you’re planning any of the above work, it’s advisable to seek professional advice and engage the services of a party wall surveyor in Barnsley.

What Happens After You Serve a Party Wall Notice?

Once you’ve served the party wall notice, your neighbor will have 14 days to respond. They can either agree to the works or dissent. If they agree, you can proceed with the work without any further action. If they dissent, you’ll need to appoint a party wall surveyor or agree to use a jointly appointed surveyor.

The surveyor(s) will then prepare a party wall award, which is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and obligations of both parties. The award will typically include provisions for access to the properties, any necessary scaffolding, and how the costs of the works will be shared between the parties.

In conclusion, if you’re planning any type of building work that could affect a party wall, it’s important to seek professional advice and consider engaging the services of a party wall surveyor. As mentioned earlier, a party wall notice will need to be served if you’re planning any of the types of work described under the Party Wall Act 1996.

In Barnsley, there are multiple party wall services available, so it’s recommended to do your research and find a reputable service provider that can assist you with your construction project. Make sure to consider the party wall implications early in the planning process to ensure a smooth and successful construction process.