Faulkner Surveyors
If you are planning structural changes that will alter an existing shared or adjoining wall, your builder is not the person to speak to; you need an experienced and dependable party wall surveyor who appreciates the local area.
Faulkner Surveyors are experts in Party Wall Building Works Thame, and also we supply customised recommendations as well as support to make your building job stick out.
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is very important in Thame, with a great number of residential homes being built close to each other or sharing party walls. The party wall act is in place to protect you and your neighbours when it comes to building works Thame on shared or adjoining structures.
You have to serve notice under the Act if you are:
Altering a shared (party) wall structurally
Constructing a new fence on or near the boundary line
Digging out foundations near a neighbouring property
Situations like these are typical in jobs such as home extensions, loft conversions and inner refurbishments.
Important Noticeing: The Act makes sure all parties are sufficiently informed and give neighbours the possibility to agree or delegate a surveyor.
Faulkner Surveyors can provide clear advice and manage the legal side of the party wall process for you. As experienced local Party Wall Surveyors in Thame, we know how to protect those special relationships so get in touch today to discuss your works.
If you don't know whether your plans need a Party Wall Notice, then get in touch with our team of experts today. Remember, we are here for you through everything
In fact, the person implementing the party wall building work Thame is normally liable for paying the fees of their appointed party wall surveyors. So they each pay for their own expert, and if the neighbour wants one too, it pays for its own. Read more about that for their neighbor.
Your property, your issue (that is what the law says) because this work forms part of it. In many circumstances, you will also have to cover the costs for your neighbour with their own surveyor. But if your neighbour needs more help or extra services that are beyond the works being carried out, they will likely have to cover those costs themselves.
At Faulkners Surveyors Thame, we make things very easy for you. Right from the start, we clearly explain all charges so you know exactly what’s going on. There are no surprises for you or your neighbour. We’re here to help whether you’re just beginning your planning or need immediate assistance plan now with us, and move forward with confidence.
Everyone when receiving a Party Wall notice served can object, and it is due to the simple fact they do not know what you are doing. But don’t worry. If you are planning party wall building works Thame and your neighbour says no, you are entitled to proceed — just through the slightly more formal route.
When consent is withheld the matter becomes “in dispute” under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. That's not to conflict — it really is only that:
The Courts now require you to appoint a party wall surveyor (one acting for both of you or one each). The surveyor(s) will examine your plans, inspect both properties if necessary and come to an independent conclusion.
This comes in the form of a Party Wall Award, which is a legally binding document which will set out how the work can proceed sensibly as well as affordably. It will also include safeguards for surveyors on both sides in terms of access right, working hours etc. Well, the proper legal analysis is disappointing a neighbour refusing to give consent but at the end of the day it is just part of that process.
This access is:
Only for use of the works described or announced in award . Narrowly tailored for a limited duration to prevent disruption . Binding — in other words, your neighbour can't unreasonably refuse access if the award permits it
Get assistance with Thame party wall access issues? Simply contact us to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.
When it comes to party wall building works Thame covered under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, timing is everything. Notices have to be served, responses permitted and surveyors appointed — all of which takes time — meaning being caught unprepared could hold up your work.
If they did provide the training, heres typically how it would look like:
Serve the Notice:
You have to give your neighbour a formal Party Wall Notice 1 or 2 months before you start, depending on the work:
Line of junction (boundary wall): 1 month
2 months (for party wall or excavation work)
Waiting for a Response:
Once the documents have been served your neighbour has 14 days in which to respond. They can accept, decline or ignore the notice.
If There’s No Consent:
When they disagree or do not reply, the matter is considered in dispute and surveyors must be appointed in accordance with s:10 of the Act.
This involves the creation of a Party Wall Award and usually takes 2–4 weeks to compile, depending on how long it takes for parties to settle on shared acceptable terms.
Work Can Start:
You can work once the award is announced and not before that. This can result in legal issue and early without any consent.
So, if you are looking to have a survey or project done in Thame in the spring and summer months, our advice would be to plan ahead and serve notices early as surveyors and builders are busy! Our guidance and prompt service will keep things on time for you.