The Party Wall etc Act 1996

Relevant works to party walls and excavations close to neighbouring buildings, foundations and boundaries are governed by the Party Wall etc Act 1996. This can apply to commercial, Industrial and residential developments. Also very common for semi detached of terraced properties during loft, rear, side and basement extensions. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 legislation only deals with notifiable aspect of the building works and is separate from Planning Permission and Building Regulations.

Building owners are quite often unaware of the Act and procedures. It is a legal requirement and written notice must be served by a building owner for relevant works and where an adjoining owner dissents to a notice the two owners have to either agree the appointment of a surveyor or each appoint a surveyor, to resolve the matters in dispute. The surveyors would then review the drawings, carry out a schedule of condition, prepare an Award document outlining the rights and obligations of the parties. The Award would include the proposed drawings and generally deal with manner of the works, inconvenience, compensation for damage, amongst other items. It is important to appoint an experienced professional surveyor who has an excellent working knowledge of the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

On the other hand, when an adjoining owner consents to the notice, the building owner can start the works without any Surveyors involvement at the outset. It is important that a valid notice is served in order for both owners to have rights under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Therefore where applicable it is advisable to seek verification from an experienced qualified surveyor before starting any building works.

We can act as Surveyor  for adjoining owners who have been served with a notice, or building owners carrying out work. We can also also be the Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both parties.

 

Do contact us to discuss your requirements and you can scan and email any notice you have received.

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    Easy to contact and arrange. Survey was excellent and professional report sent via email. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! London

    Z Arinze
    “

    A really quick turn around and great professional service. Both neighbours were happy. N London

    Tony O
    “

    Maurice and Associates negotiated our compensation very quickly and got us the best price. We were able to purchase and move into our new property, which was a great result during the stressful compulsory purchase situation. Colindale NW London

    Thomas A
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    Maurice and Associates went above the usual services and guided us through the whole process, which helped put my mind at rest also dealt with our difficult neighbours. Excellent communication all the way through. NW London

    Mrs Patel
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    Excellent service! Maurice & Associates were fantastic and able to provide our Agreed Surveyor report with 48 hours from the site inspection. All neighbours happy. Would highly recommend their services to anyone! London

    Michael O
    “

    We used Maurice and Associates for our complex project where multiple owners were involved. We left them to deal with everything, as we wanted to focus our time on other parts of the business. They delivered and provided a quality service. It was so good to have them deal with all on our behalf, while we focused on our own business.

    Mandy
    “

    Very efficient, professional and friendly service. Everything was organised extremely quickly. Very amenable surveyor who explained the process so clearly and really understood the intricacies of getting everybody on board. I received my Award report promptly. Very satisfied and would highly recommend Maurice & Associates. London

    M Khan
    “

    Excellent service and always went above and beyond in helping me with my challenging neighbours. Stanmore

    Helen L
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    We always use Maurice & Associates Chartered Surveyors for our property portfolio. We always get a very professional service and was pleasantly surprised when they obtained a significant compensation payment for us. Given us immense value and professionalism over the years. Quality service and can’t recommend enough. W London

    Daniel L