Party Wall Surveyors Swindon
Easton Bevins party wall surveyors can provide expert advice and professional support relating to any work that falls under the Party Wall Act. With offices in Bristol we can easily assist clients in Swindon and ensure compliance with the Act.
If you are planning work involving a party wall, party structure, or boundary wall on a property in Swindon or the surrounding areas, our experienced surveyors can help.
Equally, if you have received a party wall notice from a neighbour planning to carry out work on a party wall and need advice, we can help.
With significant expertise in managing party wall matters, our involvement can help ensure projects comply fully with the rules of the Act. We are also skilled in resolving disputes, helping to minimise delays and potential disruptions.
For expert advice and support relating to the Party Wall Act:
Call our Bristol office on 0117 942 7876, email or complete our enquiry form.
The Party Wall Act
The Act was created to help prevent or resolve disagreements relating to work carried out on party walls and boundary walls, and excavations done near a neighbour’s building.
You can download the Government's explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
The Party Wall Act requires property owners to notify adjoining neighbours before commencing any work that affects a shared or adjoining structure. Additionally, if the proposed project requires access to a neighbour’s property, permission must be obtained as stipulated by the Act.
Failure to serve notice can result in significant project delays as you may be prevented from proceeding with the works, as well as unwanted additional costs.
The Act is designed to balance the rights of property owners and their neighbours. While serving a party wall notice may seem like unnecessary red tape, it is a legal obligation that actually protects both parties.
It ensures that essential works can be carried out, while protecting adjoining property owners from undue inconvenience or damage. Where disputes arise, having the right paperwork in place can really help speed up a resolution.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or contact with one of our expert surveyors.
Party wall disputes v. Boundary disputes
Party wall disputes are sometimes confused with boundary disputes, but they are distinct issues requiring different resolutions.
To find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
Boundary disputes typically arise when property or land boundaries are contested. For example, if a neighbour’s fence or structure encroaches on your land, this constitutes a boundary dispute, not a party wall matter.
However, Easton Bevins has extensive experience in helping clients resolve these often complex issues. We offer professional advice relating to boundary disputes, and if necessary can provide expert witness services.
Find out more about boundary disputes:
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the Party Wall process
Stage 1
If you are planning work on an existing party wall you need to give two months’ notice. If you are planning on excavating or building a new wall at the line of junction you need to give one month’s notice.
If you do not give notice your neighbour has the right to serve an injunction which will stop all work while a resolution is reached.
Stage 2
Once notice has been given, your neighbour will have three options.
i) consent to the works
ii) dissent to the works and you both agree to appoint one party wall surveyor to act for both parties to resolve the matter
iii) dissent to the works and appoint their own surveyor, so a separate surveyor working for each party
Stage 3
If the neighbour does not consent, This is considered to be a party wall dispute which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
What is a party wall award?
This is a legal document that governs certain aspects of the works such as timings, working hours, and potentially detail of the works.
Pre-works condition schedule
A pre-works condition schedule is required as part of the award, and is considered good practice even in the event of consent. The schedule provides a record that can be referred back to in case of any damage during the works and serves to protect both parties - the person doing the work and the neighbour.
A party wall award is legally binding, however both sides will have 14 days to appeal the award in the County Court.
