What is a party wall survey, and when is it needed?
posted 25th November 2024
Are you planning a renovation but your project is affected by a party wall? You will need a party wall survey. What can professional surveyors do to ensure your project goes ahead as planned?
What is a Party Wall?
Party walls are walls that are shared with another household. These are common in semi-detached and terraced houses, though they can impact detached homes that share a garden or an invisible boundary line. It is easy to identify a shared party structure, especially when it comes to terraced and semi-detached homes. It is always recommended to have a surveyor on board who can identify any issues before your building project begins.
Notifying Your Neighbour
A party wall notice is needed if you intend building within three metres of a party wall, including any shared boundaries. This notice must be served to your neighbour two months before you start any building work. The notice must be given to any owners of a building that may be affected by your project. Your neighbours have fourteen days to respond under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. Your neighbours should provide you with written consent within the fourteen days so you can go ahead with your project as planned. If they fail to respond, you will need to get a party wall agreement.
Do I Need Party Wall Survey?
When it comes to serving a party wall notice, it is advisable to have a party wall surveyor to assist. The notice can be drafted by your surveyor. When you hire a professional to handle the party wall notice in the initial stages, it can provide numerous welcome benefits.
If you fail to get consent for the build and need a party wall agreement, you will need a party wall survey in place. These professional are able to assess the areas of your home and your neighbours homes that could be at risk during the build. In the event any property damage occurs, their documentation protects both parties from misleading claims. The survey provides proof of the property's condition before construction started, enabling any damage to be restored properly.
Party wall surveyors are able to set out the time and manner in which the build goes ahead. They can set working hours, access, and put safeguards in place to reduce the risk of property damage to both parties. In most cases, you and your neighbour will use the same party wall surveyor, though they do have the right to demand a different surveyor. If they choose a different surveyor, you will be responsible for the bill.
What are the Benefits of a Party Wall Survey?
Party walls surveys are optional, but it is highly recommended when your building project involves a party wall, protecting you in the long run. Hire a surveyor in the earliest stages of your project, they are exceptionally useful in helping you manage your relationship with neighbours, alleviating any concerns they may have, while assuring them that everything is being done to protect their property.
This is essential if you want the best change of securing the written consent you need to go ahead with your new building project. If you fail to gain consent and put your neighbours minds at ease, you can face a long legal process, which can last more than three months. This is not only expensive, but can delay your project considerably. You can save yourself a lot of money and frustration by securing a party wall survey.
Conclusion
Whether you live in a terraced or a semi-detached home and you want to do any renovations or building work, you will need to identify if you need a party wall agreement. Contact MB Survey Solutions today to see how our expert surveying team can help you with an accurate party wall survey.