It’s not easy owning a property in the UK. You have to consider the expenses of getting the property and the efforts put into making it into what you desire. But there’s more to being a property owner and some intricate roles you have to play.
One such responsibility is depicted by the Party Wall Survey Act. It is the comprehensive guide you need to carry out construction work on any shared property. It’s been in use for years and helps prevent and resolve disputes.
It’s also a guide for learning the basic responsibilities of property owners. So, stick around to find out the step-by-step guide to a party wall survey. You’ll also learn its purpose and the roles party wall surveyors play.
How Do You Carry Out A Proper Party Wall Survey?
So, what are the steps you should take before starting any construction? How do you facilitate a smooth process without getting on your neighbour’s or co-owner’s nerves? Time to have a look
1. Serve A Notice
The co-owner should be aware of any construction plan before it’s made a reality. You do this by sending a written notice ahead of time. The notice should contain the plans, including the scale of the project and its effects on the neighbouring walls and boundaries.
2. Wait for the Adjoining Owner’s Response
Like with every proper request, there must be a definite response from the adjoining owner before the next stage of the work begins. If the response is positive, the work commences. However, if the adjoining owner refuses, then you appoint a party wall surveyor.
3. Appoint A Party Wall Surveyor
This only occurs when there’s a “No” to the served notice. In such cases, both owners can decide to appoint separate party wall surveyors or decide on a single one. The aim is for the Party Wall Surveyor to highlight the project and create a sweet spot that both parties can agree to. So, you’ll do well to keep in touch with a Party Wall Surveyor Wimbledon offers for similar cases.
4. Party Wall Award
Once a Party Wall Surveyor enters the picture, a Party Wall Award is drafted. It’s simply a document that outlines the terms both parties have agreed to for the proposed work. It includes factors like work hours, total work duration, and some protective measures.
5. Commence work
Once the award has been drafted and given, it’s time to commence work. The award serves as the rule book guiding the project. Hence, every aspect of the work should be in line with the award that was agreed to.
What’s The Essence of a Party Wall Survey?
There are vital purposes served by the Party Wall Survey, as seen in the Party Wall Act 1996. They include the following:
- Defining rights and responsibilities of both the building owner and the adjoining owner
- Ensuring protective measures for the adjoining owner’s properties
- Notice requirements and obligations for the building owners. This gives the adjoining owner time to review and respond to the proposal.
- Resolving disputes between both owners through the award
Wrapping Up
Party Wall Survey has become a tool that facilitates easy work on properties that are shared by two owners. It ensures peaceful resolution through fair distribution of responsibilities, so be sure to get into it.