Staffordshire Party Wall Surveyors
Easton Bevins offers a specialist team of party wall surveyors serving Staffordshire, with extensive expertise in managing projects in compliance with the Party Wall Act.
If you’re planning work on a party wall, structure, or boundary in Staffordshire, or if you’ve received a party wall notice from a neighbour and need expert advice, we’re here to assist.
Our experienced surveyors will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that all work adheres to the Act. We are also skilled in resolving potential disputes swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption to your project.
For expert advice and support relating to the Party Wall Act:
Call 0121 817 7670, email or complete our enquiry form.
Party Wall Act
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was introduced to help prevent and resolve disputes related to work on party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighbouring properties.
You can download the Government’s explanatory booklet for further information.
Download booklet
According to the Party Wall Act, you are required to notify your adjoining neighbour before beginning any work on a party wall. If you do not serve notice, you will not have the legal right to proceed. Additionally, if you need access to your neighbour’s property – for example, to erect scaffolding – you must obtain permission under the Act.
Although serving notice can sometimes seem like bureaucratic red tape, it is a legal requirement. It also provides benefits that the common law does not, such as the right to access for necessary work.
In some cases, you may be able to require your neighbour to contribute to the cost of works, particularly if the repair involves a shared wall in need of maintenance.
The Party Wall Act is designed to protect both parties: allowing the person conducting the work to proceed while protecting the neighbour from unnecessary disruption or damage. The process is simple; with consent, work can move forward smoothly, and any disputes can be resolved quickly through the correct documentation.
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 have recently become a more common occurrence in Staffordshire probably due to the increase in 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 surveyor to act for both parties to resolve the matter
iii) dissent to the works and appoint their own party wall surveyor, so a separate surveyor working for each party
Stage 3
If the neighbour does not consent, The Party Wall Act considers this to be a party wall dispute which must be resolved by way of a party wall award.
The party wall 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 a party wall 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.
Staffordshire Property Developers – Party Walls
The Party Wall Act is especially relevant for property developers when extending or repurposing buildings adjacent to existing properties, or when constructing new developments close to neighbouring structures.
Notice must be served on any site where building work is planned within three metres of a neighbouring property, and in some instances, this distance can extend to six metres.
Our expert surveyors work with developers across Staffordshire to assess and manage any implications of the Party Wall Act for their projects.
We provide specialist advice on the Act’s requirements, ensuring full compliance. Many developers in Staffordshire now routinely send us their plans so we can identify where the Act applies and manage the entire process on their behalf.
Compliance with Party Wall rules
Awareness of the Party Wall Act has grown, with more established contractors appreciating the importance of compliance with its rules.
Those applying for planning permission will often be reminded to check if the Act applies to their project. However, smaller works completed under permitted development may not require planning permission, so this reminder can be missed.
There is also a common misconception that the Party Wall Act is an unnecessary obstacle, leading some contractors to either misunderstand its relevance or overlook it entirely, which puts both projects and individuals at risk.
What to do if a neighbour starts work without serving notice
If your neighbour begins work without serving the required notice, a good first step is to politely inform them of the oversight and ask that they pause work until notice is served. This approach often resolves the issue.
What to do if a neighbour continues without agreement
If your neighbour continues without complying, you can apply for an injunction to stop the work. This could delay the project by one to six months or more. If the builder has already started work, they may continue to charge during this period, and any damage caused could lead to significant fines.
Getting professional advice early can help prevent the situation from escalating. A neutral expert can offer support and remove emotional involvement. Remember, the Act benefits all parties, and most disputes are resolved without the need for costly legal action.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.
Party Wall Advice – Local Staffordshire Experts
If you’re planning party wall work or have received notice from a neighbour and are unsure of the next steps, our Staffordshire surveyors are here to help.
We have extensive experience helping homeowners, neighbours, and developers across Staffordshire with their Party Wall Act requirements.
Whatever your situation, professional advice from our expert surveyors will ensure compliance with the Act’s rules. In the event of a dispute, having the right paperwork in place often leads to swift and effective resolution.
Our fees for Party Wall Act services start from just £150, making it a cost-effective way to handle everything correctly from the outset. If needed, we can also provide expert witnesses who specialise 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.
Party Wall Advice in Staffordshire
If you’re dealing with party wall matters in or around Staffordshire, our team of experienced surveyors is ready to assist.
From our local office, we provide expert advice on party wall projects and related issues to homeowners and developers across the Staffordshire region.
Our well-established practice is known for its clear, honest advice and high standards of professional support. As a member of RICS, we bring a wealth of experience in property and construction, ensuring our service is second to none.
Whether you’re a developer or a private homeowner, contact our Staffordshire team today for prompt, professional, and expert advice.
If you have any questions about party walls, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.
BIRMINGHAM
Wassell Grove Business Centre
Wassell Grove Lane
Stourbridge
DY9 9JH
0121 817 7670
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