Manchester Party Wall Surveyors
Easton Bevins surveyors specialise in managing projects governed by the Party Wall Act. We ensure that all work complies with the Act’s regulations and resolve any potential issues with minimal disruption.
If you are planning to undertake work on a party wall, party structure, or boundary wall, or if you have received a notice of party wall works from a neighbour and are unsure of your next steps, we are here to assist.
Our team of experienced surveyors will provide expert guidance throughout the process, ensuring that all work complies with the regulations of the Party Wall Act. Additionally, we are skilled at resolving any potential issues swiftly and efficiently.
For expert advice and support on any party wall issues:
Call 0161 669 2267, email or complete our enquiry form.
Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 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 that you give the adjoining owner notice of any party wall work. If you do not serve notice, you will have no legal rights to do the work. Similarly, if you require use of your neighbour’s land or any part of their property – for example to put up scaffolding – you will need to acquire the right to do this under the act.
Although sometimes viewed as unnecessary red tape, serving notice is required by law. It can also provide advantages which you do not get with the common law position, such as access for implementing the work.
In some instances, you may be able to oblige the neighbour to contribute towards the cost of the works, for example if it is a shared wall that is in poor condition.
But fundamentally it is designed to be useful for both parties, allowing the person doing the work to get the work done, and protecting the neighbour from unnecessary inconvenience and damage. It does not have to be complicated; if you get consent, you can get on with the work; if there is a dispute it can be resolved quickly and easily by putting the right paperwork in place.
Party wall disputes v. boundary disputes
Party wall disputes are sometimes confused with boundary disputes but the two are very different.
Find out more about party wall disputes:
Read more
Boundary disputes are becoming a more common occurrence in Manchester, partly due to rising property prices and land values.
If you think that someone has encroached on your land, that would be classified as a boundary dispute and cannot be dealt with under the Party Wall Act. Easton Bevins has boundary experts specialising in this complex area. We can also provide expert witness services if required.
Find out more about boundary disputes:
Read More
Party Wall Act - The 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 a party wall dispute, which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
What is a party wall award?
The award 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 an 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.
Party Wall Advice – Manchester Property Developers
The Party Wall Act applies to property developers when extending or repurposing buildings that are situated alongside other existing buildings, or when building new property developments where there are existing neighbours.
Notice also needs to be served on any site where building work is being carried out within three metres of a neighbour, and in some instances, this can expand to six metres.
Our experienced surveyors work with developers across the Greater Manchester region to help assess and manage any implications relating to the Party Wall Act for their developments.
We can offer expert advice and guidance relating to the act and help ensure compliance with its rules. In fact, many Manchester based developers now simply send us their plans so that we can review where the Party Wall Act might apply, and then manage the whole process on their behalf.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.
Complying with Party Wall rules
There is now a far greater awareness of the Party Wall Act and more established building contractors understand the importance of complying with the rules of the act.
Also, anyone applying for planning permission will be reminded to check whether the act applies to their project.
Unfortunately, smaller building projects carried out under permitted development often don’t require planning permission so there is no reminder.
In addition, there can be a perception that the Party Wall Act is an obstruction and some contractors carrying out smaller works either do not understand the act, or simply do not see it as relevant or necessary, putting projects and people at risk.
What to do if a neighbour starts work without serving notice
Often a good first option is to politely point out the oversight and ask them to stop work and serve notice, this usually achieves the desired result.
What to do if a neighbour carries on with the work without an agreement
If this does not work, you can apply for an injunction to stop the work. An injunction could delay a project by anything from one month to six months, or more. If a builder has already started work, they will probably continue to charge after it has been stopped. Also, if any damage has been caused, significant fines may be incurred.
Get professional advice before things escalate.
Getting a professional involved can help take the emotion out of a situation. Remember, the Party Wall Act is to everyone’s advantage and in our experience, in the majority of cases a resolution is without the need for costly legal battles.
Manchester party wall advice
If you are planning any party wall work, or have been served notice of party wall works by a neighbour and are not sure what to do next, our surveyors covering the Manchester region can help.
We have extensive experience of helping home owners, neighbours and property developers across Greater Manchester with their party wall requirements.
Whatever the situation, professional advice from our expert surveyors will help ensure compliance with the rules of the act. Should there be a dispute, it can usually be resolved quickly and easily by putting the right paperwork in place.
Fees for support start from as little as £150, so it really does make sense to do things properly from the start.
Worse case scenario, we can also provide expert witnesses specialising in party wall disputes.
Our experts
Michael Bull
Head of Block Management
With many years’ experience Mike has particular expertise in working on projects that fall under the Party Wall Act. Mike also offers expert witness services and has worked on numerous high-profile cases.
Richard Sherwood
Chief Operating Officer
As an expert party wall surveyor Richard works with both home owners and commercial clients to help ensure compliance with the act. Richard is also retained as a party wall surveyor for a number of national developers.
Ben O’Brien
Chief Executive Officer
Ben is an experienced party wall surveyor and has worked on numerous projects helping both developers and home owners manage compliance.
Local Manchester Experts
With a team of experienced party wall surveyors, and offices located in Altrincham Business Park, we offer advice and support to property owners and property developers in and around the Manchester area.
Established in 1989, Easton Bevins is known for its honest approach, clear, concise advice and the highest standards of professional support.
We are a member of RICS and our vast experience in all areas of the property and construction industry ensures that our service is second to none.
We offer expert advice, and expert witness services, relating to projects that fall under the Party Wall Act. Whether you are a property developer or a private home owner contact us our Manchester office for prompt, professional and expert party wall advice.
MANCHESTER
Edward Court Studios
26 Edward Court
Altrincham Business Park
WA14 5GL
0161 669 2267
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