Party Wall Surveyor Portsmouth

If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary in Portsmouth 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.

DO I NEED A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT IN PORTSMOUTH?

If you’re planning to build an extension, convert your loft, or carry out any other building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbor, you might need a party wall agreement. This is a legal requirement that aims to protect both you and your neighbor’s properties, and it’s important to understand the process to avoid potential disputes.

In this article, we’ll explain what a party wall agreement is, why you might need one, and what role surveyors play in the process. We’ll also look at the advantages of hiring a surveyor and how Faulkners, a surveying company based in Portsmouth, can help.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and rights of the property owners when they plan to undertake construction work on a shared boundary.

This agreement covers everything from the type of work being done, working hours, access, and procedures to resolve any disputes that may arise during the construction process.

Why Might You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

If you’re planning to carry out any of the work mentioned above, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice to your neighbor. This is a written notice that informs them of your intention to carry out the work and includes details of the proposed work and when it will start.

Your neighbor then has 14 days to respond, and if they don’t, you’ll need to hire a surveyor to write up a party wall agreement on their behalf. If your neighbor dissents to the notice, you’ll need to appoint a separate surveyor to act impartially and prepare the agreement.

What Does a Surveyor Do?

Surveyors play a crucial role in the party wall agreement process. They can act on behalf of either you or your neighbor, or they can act as an impartial surveyor if there is a dispute.

Their role includes:

    Preparing and serving party wall notices
    Inspecting the properties to assess any potential risks
    Preparing a schedule of condition to record the condition of the properties before work starts
    Preparing the party wall agreement, including details of the work, how it will be carried out, and the measures to be taken to protect both properties during the work
    Resolving disputes between you and your neighbor

Advantages of Hiring a Surveyor

Hiring a surveyor can bring several advantages, including:

    Expert advice: A surveyor can offer expert advice on the party wall agreement process, including any potential risks and how to minimize them.
    Legal compliance: A surveyor can ensure that you’re complying with the legal requirements and that the party wall agreement is correctly prepared and signed.
    Peace of mind: Hiring a surveyor can give you peace of mind that the work will be carried out safely and with minimal disruption to both properties.
    Dispute resolution: A surveyor can help to resolve any disputes between you and your neighbor, avoiding the need for legal action.

If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary, it’s important to consider whether you need a party wall agreement.

In most cases, it’s advisable to have one in place to protect both you and your neighbour’s interests and prevent any disputes for your property in Portsmouth that could arise during the construction process.

At Faulkners, our experienced surveyors can help you understand party wall agreements and guide you through the process.