Retrofitting and the Party Wall Act
Posted 26 Jan 2024 By Easton Bevins
To retrofit is to add new features or technology to an existing building to improve its performance, efficiency, or functionality. It often involves working on, or near to, a shared wall or boundary, which means you may need to consider the Party Wall Act before starting work. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your retrofit goes smoothly:
Ensure you comply with your obligations under the Party Wall Act
Whether you are appointing a contractor, or planning to undertake the work yourself, the best way to ensure compliance is to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to guide you through the process and help prevent disruptions to your project.
Serve notice early on in the process
If your planned retrofit involves work such as, damp proofing a party wall, a loft conversion, or extending your property near a boundary, you may need to serve a Party Wall Notice – a formal way of informing your neighbours about your plans. Serving the notice early in the process allows time for discussions, keeps your neighbour informed of your plans and helps reduce the risk of delays at a later date.
Consider design implications
Involve a Party Wall Surveyor early in the design process to help minimise risks to your project. Their expertise can help ensure any party wall requirements that might impact the project are properly addressed. This will involve serving the correct notices and resolving any disputes ahead of time, ensuring you do not fall foul of the legislation.
Communicate with your neighbours
Being open and honest with your neighbours from the start is key to reducing the risk of disputes. It's usually beneficial to discuss the work with your neighbours before serving the notice. These small considerations will help build understanding and trust, making it easier to agree on how the work will proceed. Even if they do not consent to the works, more transparency can increase the chances of them agreeing to a joint surveyor.
Keep a record of the property’s condition
Keep a detailed record of the condition of both properties before the retrofit work. Taking photos provides evidence to protect both you and your neighbour should any issues arise later. Remember to time and date stamp all photos you take. It's advisable to have an independent third party do this for you. A Party Wall Surveyor will know the key areas to record, and keep the photographs on file, so there can be no dispute regarding authenticity.
Be considerate during the work
When work begins, it is important to minimise disruption to your neighbours as much as possible. Keeping your neighbours informed with regular updates on timelines, and being responsive to any concerns, will go a long way in maintaining good relations and reduce the risk of disputes arising.
Following these steps can help ensure that your retrofitting project is successful and does not cause unnecessary stress or disputes with your neighbours. Remember, the key is to be proactive, communicative, and respectful throughout the process.
For expert advice and support relating to work that falls under the Party Wall Act call 0117 942 7876 or email and a member of our team will get back to you.
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