Party Wall Surveyor on the Isle of Wight
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out a procedure for building work that affects a shared wall, a boundary, or excavations close to a neighbouring building. It applies to both residential and commercial property, and covers common projects such as loft conversions, extensions and basement work.
Acting for Building Owners
If you are planning work covered by the Act, you must serve notice on the adjoining owners before starting. We can advise whether the Act applies, prepare and serve the correct notices, and act as your surveyor if a dispute arises and an award is needed.
Acting for Adjoining Owners
If you have received a party wall notice from a neighbour, you can consent, or dissent and appoint a surveyor. We can act for you, or as the agreed surveyor for both owners, to make sure the work is properly controlled and your property is protected.
The Process
Where an award is needed, it typically includes:
- formal notice of the work, providing details of the work and how and when it will be carried out
- a schedule of condition of the adjoining property before work starts
- provisions for access, working hours and protection of the adjoining property
- arrangements for putting right any damage caused by the work
Under the Act, the building owner normally pays the reasonable costs of the surveyors involved.
Joel is an associate member of the Pyramus and Thisbe Society, a professional body for party wall surveyors.