Property Peacekeeping: The Vital Role of Party Wall Surveyors in London

One thing people tend to forget when designing or plotting to expand or change their home in any way is the impact that might have on their neighbors. This consideration is very important in London, especially because most of the buildings have adjacent walls. That is when a professional party wall specialist comes in handy. Their work involves safeguarding the interests of the neighbors and yours to make sure that with your building work, you do not inconvenience your neighbors unnecessarily.

What is a Party Wall?

 A party wall can be defined as a wall that separates the properties of two different owners; for instance, a wall that separates two terrace houses. In London, especially for apartments that are closely constructed, the use of party walls is usual. In the case of such walls, it is mandatory to have a party wall agreement before carrying out any work on the wall or nearby area, including the addition of any new structure, like an extension to the party wall.

 What is the importance of a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is, an agreement that shows how the construction work is going to be done concerning the neighboring property and how it is going to address the issue of the neighboring property being affected in the process. It is very relevant for the survival of close-knit neighborhoods and minimizing instances of lawsuits against or from neighbors.

If you intend to perform any job that will impinge on a party wall, then you must provide your neighbors with written notice of the work. If they agree, then the work of the expert can begin. But, if they do not concur or otherwise do not respond, then you must organize a party wall surveyor.

The role of a party wall specialist and how it can be valuable

A party wall surveyor east London has experience in dealing with the legalities involved in party wall matters. Their main function is to ensure that any construction and construction work being conducted is governed by the Party Wall Act of 1996 to protect the property owners’ rights on both sides of the wall.

 The role of a party wall surveyor when hired in East London or any part of this city will first look at the property and the planned work. They must then produce a party wall agreement that must suit your needs as much as your neighbor’s. The features that will be incorporated in this agreement include the nature of the work to be done, the time frame of the work, and how the neighbors' properties will be protected from damage.

What should you do if there is a Dispute?

 Disputes on matters touching the party wall may be stressful, but a party wall surveyor is expected to handle the situation professionally. In case your neighbor objects to the proposed work, the surveyor will have to mediate between the two of you. Such surveys may organize a meeting between both parties and agree on how best the issue can be solved amicably.

If an agreement cannot be reached, then both parties may need to engage their surveyor. These surveyors will then have to consult and make an agreement that will be fair to all parties. If they still do not reach a compromise, then they can invoke the services of a third surveyor to make a final decision on the matter.

Knowing the Costs of a Party Wall Agreement

The party wall agreement cost may differ from one project to another depending on how complex the work is, as well as the surveyors participating in the process. This is even more so in London, where space and property costs are high and where the buildings are normally compact.

 As a rule, the individual who starts the building works (more often, it is the owner of the house) pays for the surveyor’s services. Such costs may vary from hundreds to thousands of pounds depending on the work undertaken. This is a worthy investment to undertake because of the likelihood of facing legal and/or financial consequences of not having a proper agreement in place.

 Conclusion:

A party wall specialist London is helpful to this process because it means that your property will be safeguarded and there will likely not be any issues with neighbors.