In 1996 the party wall act came into effect to prevent and resolve disputes between property owners regarding party walls, party structures, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. This means that anyone who intends to carry out work that affects the party structures listed above must do so but the consent and acknowledgement of the adjoining owners.If the Adjoining owner does not wish to give consent then a party wall surveyor can resolve the matter fairly in an impartial manner.If the party wall surveyor has reached the conclusion that is it appropriate to carry out the works then a party wall award shall be made outlining several parameters to make sure both owners are not severely affected.
As Engineers we are regularly consulted by both the person completing works or their neighbour (the adjoining owner) over the engineering aspects of a project. If you would like to speak to us about this please contact us.