Party Wall Surveying

Party Wall Surveying

At B.E.L Group we have our very own surveyors who specialise in all party wall matters for both domestic and commercial clients. We advise, mediate and resolve issues between both parties, providing impartial and tailored advice regarding the party wall. We can act as the party wall surveyor for both adjoining and building owners.

For the building owner, we initially aim to avoid party wall disputes during the planning and design stage, to not cause delays to the project by serving a valid notices as defined by the party wall act 1996.

When representing the adjoining property owner, we review the building owner’s proposals and draft out a report to highlight any inconvenience which may be caused. We then survey the properties structure before and after the commencement of the building work; ensuring there is no structural or aesthetic impacts caused.

Our Services:-

• Advice, mediate and resolve issues regarding party wall
• Being the appointed party wall surveyor
• Review proposed plans
• Serving and reviewing party wall notices
• Report on survey and quality of work
• Pre-commencement appraisal of building and development projects
• Agreements contractors and sub-contractors need to adhere to
• Defect survey
• Access to neighbours land

What is the Party Wall Act?

The party wall act 1996 provides a framework for properties with adjoining walls to resolve disputes regarding the party walls, boundary walls and excavations near the neighboring buildings. It legally obliges building owners who intend to start work to serve a formal notice to the adjoining owner (neighbor) allowing them to seek professional representation by appointing a party wall surveyor.

When do you need a Party Wall Surveyor?

As stated on Gov.uk, the Act covers:

• New building on or at the boundary of 2 properties
• Work to an existing party wall or party structure
• Excavation near to and below the foundation level of neighboring buildings

This may include:

• Building a new wall on or at the boundary of 2 properties
• Cutting into a party wall
• Making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper
• Removing chimney breasts from a party wall
• Knocking down and rebuilding a party wall
• Digging below the foundation level of a neighbor’s property