Party Wall Surveyors - Trafford
Easton Bevins has a team of experienced party wall surveyors based in Manchester available to advise clients in Trafford with projects that fall under the Party Wall Act.
If you are planning work involving a party wall, party structure, or boundary wall on a property in Trafford, or have received a party wall notice from a neighbour and require advice, our expert party wall surveyors can help.
With experience in managing projects that fall under the Act we can ensure your project complies with the regulations, as well as helping resolve any disagreements that might occur to minimise delays and disruptions.
For professional advice and support relating to the Party Wall Act:
Call our Manchester office on 0161 669 2267, email or complete our enquiry form.
ABOUT THE Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 was created to help prevent or resolve disagreements relating to work carried out on party walls and boundary walls, and excavations done near a neighbour’s building.
You can download the Government's explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
It is designed to balance the rights of property owners and their neighbours, ensuring necessary works can go ahead while safeguarding adjoining properties from undue disruption or damage. Having a formal agreement in place often leads to a swift resolution to any disagreements, allowing your project to proceed with minimal interruption.
The Act requires that you give the adjoining owner notice of any party wall work. If you do not serve notice, you will not have the right to do the work. In addition, should you require use of your neighbour’s land or any part of their property to carry out any of the work you will need to acquire the right to do this under the act. Failing to serve the required notice could lead to significant delays and legal complications with the work.
For expert advice relating to party wall works contact our Manchester office on 0161 669 2267.
Party wall disputes v. boundary disputes
Party wall disputes are sometimes confused with boundary disputes, but they are very different.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
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Boundary disputes occur when there is uncertainty about where a boundary lies and who actually owns what land. They can cause significant stress and friction between neighbours.
Easton Bevins has boundary experts specialising in this complex area and can also provide 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, it is considered to be a party wall dispute which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
A Party wall award
A 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. It provides a record that can be referred back to in case of any damage during the works and serves to protect both parties.
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 contact one of our expert surveyors.
