Party Wall Surveyors - Cheshire
If you are planning works that involve a party wall, a party structure, or a boundary wall on a property in or around Cheshire our experienced surveyors can help.
Similarly, if you have received a party wall notice from a neighbour and are not sure how to respond, we can advise you.
With a team of expert party wall surveyors, and offices in Manchester, we are well placed to assist clients in Cheshire with projects that fall under the Party Wall Act.
With expertise in managing party wall issues, we can provide prompt, professional advice and support to ensure all work complies with the Act. We are also skilled at resolving disputes to minimise potential delays and disruptions.
For expert advice and support regarding the Party Wall Act:
Call our Manchester office on 0161 669 2267, email or complete our enquiry form.
Party Wall Act
The Party Wall Act requires property owners to serve notice to their neighbours before commencing any work that might affect a shared or adjoining structure.
Permission must also be requested should a project require access to a neighbour’s property to carry out the works.
You can download the Government's explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
While serving notice may seem unnecessary, it is a legal requirement that provides essential protection to both parties. Failure to serve notice can lead to significant delays as the works may be stopped until compliance is achieved.
The Act aims to balance the rights of property owners with those of their neighbours, ensuring construction projects can proceed without causing unnecessary inconvenience or damage to the neighbour and their property. Should a dispute arise, having formal agreements in place can help resolve issues quickly and allow work to be completed with minimal disruption.
If you have questions relating to work that falls under the Party Wall Act contact one of our party wall surveyors for expert advice.
Party wall disputes v. Boundary disputes
Party wall issues can be confused with boundary disputes but the two are very different, requiring different expertise.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
Boundary disputes occur when there is a disagreement over the position of a boundary and ownership of land. So, for example if a neighbour’s fence or structure encroaches onto your land, this would constitute a boundary dispute.
Easton Bevins is experienced in dealing with boundary disputes and can provide professional advice, as well as expert witness services if required.
Find out more about boundary disputes:
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the Party Wall process
Stage 1
If you are planning work on an existing party wall you need to give two months’ notice. If you are planning on excavating or building a new wall at the line of junction you need to give one month’s notice.
If you do not give notice your neighbour has the right to serve an injunction which will stop all work while a resolution is reached.
Stage 2
Once notice has been given, your neighbour will have three options.
i) consent to the works
ii) dissent to the works and you both agree to appoint one party wall surveyor to act for both parties to resolve the matter
iii) dissent to the works and appoint their own surveyor, so a separate surveyor working for each party
Stage 3
If the neighbour does not consent, This is considered to be a party wall dispute which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
The party wall award is a legal document that governs certain aspects of the works such as timings, working hours, and potentially detail of the works.
Pre-works condition schedule
A pre-works condition schedule is required as part of a party wall award, and is considered good practice even in the event of consent. The schedule provides a record that can be referred back to in case of any damage during the works and serves to protect both parties - the person doing the work and the neighbour.
The award is legally binding, however both sides will have 14 days to appeal the award in the County Court.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.