Where works proposed to a property come within meaning of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a
Party Wall Notice
is to be served at least (although surveyors can work to expedite the matter):
One calender month
prior to the works commencing, for instance:
– New Boundary Walls / Party Walls. NB: this includes walls which are to be built entirely on the Building Owner’s land.
– Excavations on adjacent sites
Or
Two calender months
prior to the works commencing, for instance:
– Repairs to existing Party Walls
– Alterations to existing Party Walls
– Demolition and reinstatement of existing Party Walls
Notices may be served either by yourself or by a party wall surveyor. They must; however, be valid (signed and dated) and contain the correct information relating to the works.
The time limits are flexible depending upon the neighbour’s / adjoining owner’s terms of agreement. The limits are reflective of the time with which the adjoining owner needs to act, if they are breached, selection of a surveyor can be made on their behalf to move the works forward, in this fashion it is easy to see just how useful the Party Wall Act is.
Should conditions result in an Award, upon service of the Award, the adjoining owner has a further 14 days to appeal the Award.