Party Wall Awards
PARTY WALL ADVICE IN AYLESBURY AND MILTON KEYNES
PARTY WALL AWARDS
Building owners contemplating undertaking a programme of alterations or additions to their property should consider its effects on adjoining owners before preparing any scheme. Advice should be sought from a Surveyor who is conversant with the Party Wall Etc. Act 1996 and other relevant legislation, so that their requirements can be satisfied. The failure to do so could seriously delay the execution of the project if problems are faced once the builder starts on site.
The Party Wall Act requires the builidng owner to serve Notices on the adjoining owners if the proposed alteration works involve any modifications to a wall, which is shared in common with the adjoining owner. The adjoining owner then has the right to agree to the works proceeding or to appoint a Surveyor to act on his behalf, investigate the adequacy of the proposals, agree a Schedule detailing the condition of his building, and a Party Wall Award regulating how the works are to be carried out. Further Notices may be needed if the foundations of any extension are to be sunk closer than 6m to buildings on the adjoining site.
APPOINTMENT OF A SURVEYOR
Ian Howard is a founder member of the local group of Party Wall Surveyors and is fully experienced with the requirements of the Act and the procedures that should be followed. His informal advice should be sought at an early stage. He regularly acts for both building and adjoining owners on both residential and commercial projects of widely varying types and size. He provides a prompt, efficient and professional service, ensuring the smooth running of the building scheme and the resolution of any adjoining owners concerns.
FEE ARRANGEMENTS
The provisions of the Party Wall Act require the building owner to meet the cost of any reasonable professional fees incurred by the adjoining owners in responding to Notices or seeking advice on the action which they should take. Projects of this type are of a widely varying nature and it is usual for the Surveyors acting for both parties to agree an hourly rate than can be charged and the building owner's Surveyor is responsible for ensuring that the quantity of time spent is not excessive. If any disputes arise they can be referred by either Surveyor to a Third Surveyor whose name has to be agreed before any discussions on Party Wall Matters take place.
CONTACT DETAILS
Buildings owners or adjoining owners can contact Ian Howard by telephoning 01296 424230 or by email via this website.