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Building work carried out close to a boundary has the potential to affect neighbouring properties, even where the work itself appears straightforward. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework that allows such work to proceed while protecting the interests of adjoining owners. Understanding how the Act applies and addressing it at the […]
If you’re planning construction works close to a neighbouring property, or carrying out works to a shared or party wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. One of the very first steps is serving the correct party wall notices, and where disputes arise, surveyors quickly become involved. But what exactly does […]
Have you noticed your neighbour’s builders digging foundations, altering a shared wall or carrying out significant works – yet you never received any notice under the Party Wall Act? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Situations like this can feel stressful, particularly when works are happening close to your home and you’re unsure where […]
When building work takes place close to a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a clear framework to help neighbours manage the process fairly. At the heart of that framework is the role of the surveyor. Their job is to protect both parties and ensure the works proceed safely and lawfully. For this […]
Homeowners often face problems with building work near a boundary because they misunderstand the party wall agreement process, which clarifies and predicts construction near shared walls. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the rules, but when people rely on assumptions or informal conversations instead of the correct procedure, disputes can arise quickly. A […]
When building work could affect a shared wall or a neighbour’s property, the law requires the building owner to serve a party wall notice. This formal document gives the neighbour a chance to agree or disagree with the proposed work, and their response determines what happens next. Whether they consent, dissent and use an agreed […]
Have you received a ‘Party Wall’ letter through your door? Sadly, it’s not a party invite, and there’s no cake on offer. It’s a bit more boring, but much more important. Whether you’re a homeowner planning to extend your kitchen or a neighbour worried about next door’s loft conversion, understanding the party wall process can […]
Do you get on with your neighbours? Do you talk to them regularly, or just nod and smile when you see them in the driveway? It doesn’t matter how well you know them or how friendly you are, it’s all too easy to end up in a heated dispute about bricks, boundaries and building works. […]
As surveyors, we often get enquiries from building owners saying, ‘I need a party wall agreement, can you help?’ The answer to that is yes! But first, let’s clarify a few things. Surveyors are the ones who prepare that ‘agreement’, which is formally known as a Party Wall Award. A single surveyor can prepare it […]
You’re planning a building project, and it’s all going well. Or maybe your neighbour is sharing their extension plans with you, and you’re happily nodding along and asking questions. When the term ‘party wall surveyor’ is thrown into the mix. You pause. Do you actually need one? When should you hire one? And what does […]
Whether you’re building an extension, converting your loft or doing structural alterations, you need to understand your obligations under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. It’s one of those areas that can quietly derail your project if you’re not properly prepared. A lot of homeowners don’t realise just how long the party wall process can […]
Our specialist Party Wall team of chartered surveyors at Southampton-based Harrison Clarke helps clients with Party Wall matters every day. In this article, we briefly explain what the Party Wall Act is, why it is needed, how it affects you when you are planning an extension, what your responsibilities are and why it is important […]
