So, your neighbours want to do some building work. There might be an extension a loft conversion. Maybe you’ve already had a letter drop through your door with the ominous sounding title of a Party Wall Notice.
And now you’re thinking:
Do I need to do something?
Will this damage my home?
Who do I even ask?
Good news you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to support for neighbours just like you at Jason Edworthy, your local party wall surveyors so you can find out what’s happening, what you have the right to do, and how to protect your home (and sanity).
If one of the neighbours is building work on the boundary or near your property you are covered under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? This law provides the rights you need as an adjoining owner. For more details, you can visit https://bedford.jason-edworthy.co.uk/neighbours/
How does this affect you?
You need to have clear warning: Your neighbor must inform you in writing ahead of time if they will be seeking access near or on a shared wall or boundary. The notice gives you time to know what is going on and answer.
You can say yes or you can say no: You do not have to accept this. If you’re concerned about the work, you can say something. The party wall notice is providing a standard method for which the dispute over construction of what needs to be done along your side can begin.
You get to pick a party wall surveyor: Concerned that the work will alter or damage your property? You may choose your party wall surveyor to act on your behalf. Your neighbour generally pays for the surveyor.You deserve to have a condition report: There should be (almost) nothing happening before someone takes a record of the state of your home. Your report can be helpful in the event your home is damaged later.
You’ll have evidence that reveals what your place looked like before it all began.
You can sue for damage: If the work results in cracks, shifting or other damage to your property, you have the right to demand repairs or money.
Access must be consensual: Your neighbour cannot automatically use your land to aid their work. Any entry must be requested and documented in accordance with the party wall process.
In short, you’re not powerless. You have the right to ask questions, receive advice and protect your home. Having a reliable, local party wall surveyor on the case, someone like Jason Edworthy means that everything will be above board - legally and you know that you’ll be getting a fair deal.
Before you get started with work in the dwelling unit next to yours, you might be concerned that drywall, flooring or bricks in your apartment will soon begin cracking or shifting. A very detailed condition report can help with this.
Our people at Jason Edworthy, will come to your home and present in detail what we see. We will check for hairline cracks and alignment of the tiles. We'll record smooth notes and time stamped pictures of our data.
We take clear shots of your property via photos or footage before the builders arrive. This is a real evidence of your look before any work was started.
Any surprise damage that might show up later, you can easily write from a fair stance. The report can assist you with repair or payment claims.
No guessing and no worry. My home benefitted from clear help.
When a party wall dispute or agreement occurs, you have two primary options for appointing a surveyor to lead the process: Appointing your own surveyor or agreeing to use one, single-appointed surveyor (referred to as the “agreed surveyor”). Each has their fine and not-so-fine points depending on what you need to do.
Selecting Your Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyor
What it means: You find a surveyor and hire him yourself to work for your side. Preserving your property rights and worries.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Appointing an Agreed Surveyor
What it means: You and your neighbour decide to use a single surveyor.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Which Option is Best for You?
If you want full representation with someone who works solely in protecting your property, then a Jason Edworthy Party wall surveyor that will be the best choice.
If you want to keep it simple, get things done rapidly and possibly more cheaply and you trust your neighbours (and the process), then an agreed surveyor agreement can work well.