How Does the Party Wall Act Affects your Building Work Wiltshire?
If you’re planning on doing any of these works, then you have to find out if the works are falling within the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 scope. The Act was introduced in 1997 by the Governments, covering the whole of Wales as well as England, for building works regulation to adjoining properties. It’s intended to allow work to continue while protecting adjoining owners plus occupiers who might end up being affected by the work. to find out more Click Here!
Typically, under the Party Wall Act 1996, the building owner who wants to conduct such building work Wiltshire has to give notification inadequate time (in writing) to the adjoining owners of the work that has been proposed. Adjoining owners can either be occupiers or owners of adjacent commercial and industrial buildings or land.
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If you are sharing a party fence wall, party wall or a party structure with someone else, the provisions of the Act may govern you. Party walls are a dividing partition that is between two adjoining buildings shared by the owners of each business or residence. Floors that are between flats are also party structures. The boundary walls can also be party fence walls.
Examples of work that are governed by the act include extensions, loft conversions, structural work on the party walls like chimney breast removal, excavation close to another structure or building to a depth exceeding that of the foundation of your neighbour and modification to masonry party garden walls.
The building owner is required to start serving notice on the adjoining occupier/owner of the Party Wall Act is applying to the planned work. The work can continue upon written assent by the adjoining owner. It’s advisable that you take a SOC (Schedule of Condition).
SOC is a factual record of the condition of a structure or building before work begins. If the adjoining owner doesn’t agree with the proposed work, then the Party Wall Act helps to settle the dispute.
Do you really need a party wall act for your building work Wiltshire?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. In general, the Party Wall Act of 1996 applies to any building work that involves common walls or structures between two properties. This can include shared walls, boundary walls, and even excavations near a neighboring property.
If your building work Wiltshire falls under the scope of the Party Wall Act, you will need to follow certain procedures in order to obtain the necessary permissions from your neighbors. This may include serving them with a formal notice of your proposed work and giving them the opportunity to consent or dissent.
In some cases, it may be possible to reach an agreement with your neighbors without involving a party wall surveyor. However, if there is a dispute or disagreement, it is best to seek professional advice from a qualified surveyor who can help mediate and resolve any issues.
Additionally, it’s important to note that failure to comply with the Party Wall Act can result in legal action and potential damages. So if you’re unsure whether your building work requires compliance with this act, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional guidance.
In conclusion, while not all building work requires compliance with the Party Wall Act, it’s important to consider this legislation early on in your project planning process. If you have any doubts or concerns about whether your specific project falls under the scope of this act, it’s best to consult with a qualified party wall surveyor for clarification and guidance.
Resolving Disputes around building work Wiltshire
If a dispute arises between owners, the Party Wall Act provides a series of steps for appointing surveyors. The appointed surveyors can resolve disputes using way of an award and specify the format that the work should be carried out.
An award permits the owner of the building the right of conducting work under the Party Wall Act while making sure the work will be done in a way that protects the interests of the adjoining owners. The surveyor might inspect the work while it’s going on to make sure that everything is being carried out fairly and properly.
What Should I Do?
Before starting any building work Wiltshire, you should check to find out whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. If you fail to comply with the Party Wall Act, it can lead to the work being illegal.
If you are in doubt, you should consult a party wall surveyor who is qualified and a Faculty (FPWS) member ( for instance, Jason Edworthy), as they have already been trained how to advise on matters concerning the party wall and are also bound by the Code of Conduct set by Faculty.
Feel free to contact Jason Edworthy for party wall agreement, or if you have a dispute.