The Party Wall Act 1996 governs the construction of shared walls and excavations close to neighbouring properties. It is important to notify the neighbours of proposed work and get their consent before any work begins. This will avoid any disputes and ensure that the work is legal. It is a good idea to record the current condition of the neighbour’s property before you start working. You and your neighbours can choose a surveyor and agree on the fees or disagree and appoint your own.
The Party Wall Act 1996 defines the party wall surveyor as an expert in building law. They should be well-trained and knowledgeable about party wall procedures and construction. If possible, they should hold a relevant qualification. Many surveyors are structural engineers or building surveyors. It is best to hire a local party-wall surveyor who does not charge fees. You can also Google party-wall surveyors in your area and ask friends and neighbours for recommendations.
The party wall act is administered by party wall surveyors and is administered by them rather than lawyers. The act is a valuable form of alternative dispute resolution. While the party-wall act’s predecessors only applied to inner London boroughs, its successors have widened its scope to include all areas of England. This is why it is important to employ a professional party-wall surveyor if you’re considering making a building project.
Read more Party Wall Surveyor in London
The party-wall surveyor’s fees are paid by the owner of the building. However, it is essential that the surveyor you hire has a professional body. The Pyramus and Thisbe Club is an example of such a body. Its members follow a strict code of practice and disclose all costs and fees. You can find a qualified and experienced party-wall surveyor in your locality.
The building owner of the adjoining property must pay for the party-wall surveyor’s fees. The surveyor should not charge you for a service that is not necessary. For example, you might need to pay for underpinning or excavation. The building owner may be required to pay for security of expenses and Special Foundations. It is important to ensure that the party-wall surveyor’s fees are in line with the requirements of the law.
A party-wall surveyor is a professional member of the Pyramus and This be Club. In addition to this, party wall surveyors should be members of a professional body. This association has a code of conduct that requires surveyors to mitigate costs and disclose hidden fees. If a surveyor is not a member of such a body, then they cannot be called to work on your behalf.