Party Wall Advice
At Sherborne Chartered Surveyors our property surveys provide party wall work on all types of residential and commercial property for a variety of purposes across Sherborne.
At Sherborne Chartered Surveyors our party wall surveyors are able to provide expert advice and assistance on matters relating to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Working as either the building owner’s surveyor, the adjoining owner’s surveyor or a joint appointment, Alan J. Young Ltd extensive experience with the complexities of the Act means they are well placed to resolve matters swiftly and amicably.
Party Wall Act
The first time a neighbour typically becomes aware of a potential party wall issue is a party wall notice landing on their door mat. In brief, party wall notices come in three main formats:
- Party Structure Notice
- Notice of Adjacent Excavation
- Line of Junction Notice
These are variously used for actions that directly affect the party wall, excavations close to the party wall and construction of a new wall close to or astride an existing boundary. The building owner is legally obligated to notify the adjoining owner and, whilst a surveyor is not strictly required at this stage, most building owners will ask a Chartered Surveyor to issue the notice to ensure nothing is omitted. The Act is complex and the advice of a professional, familiar with Sherborne, will avoid mistakes and unnecessary disputes down the line.
Party Wall Awards
Where neighbours don’t agree with the works proposed, a ‘dispute’ has arisen and there is a mechanism for dealing with this under the Act. Both parties need to appoint a surveyor, who will ideally be a qualified chartered surveyor with the RICS. They can appoint the same surveyor, who is bound by an ethical code of conduct to be impartial and fair. The surveyor will agree a route forward which will be codified into a Party Wall Award.
We can also help property purchasers, as an accurate valuation can save you thousands of pounds of unnecessary expenditure by helping you to avoid an over-valued property and negotiate a better deal. Our registered valuer in Sherborne is able to discuss the property value with you at any time, advising on related aspects like resale value, investment potential and ‘synergistic’ value.
Photographic Schedule of Condition?
Building works can be messy and potentially damaging to the fabric of your building. If the neighbour of your property in Sherborne is carrying out works which might affect your home, we can carry out a photographic schedule of condition to append to any party wall notice, which shows the exact condition of both buildings before the works are carried out. If damage occurs thereafter, you will have an undeniable record to refer to and use as evidence.
We take pride in providing an accurate, reliable schedule of condition service in Sherborne, which can help you avoid disputes and ensure that you are compensated for any damage to your property.