{"id":5792,"date":"2013-08-01T16:18:43","date_gmt":"2013-08-01T15:18:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/builder.anytrades.co.uk\/?p=124"},"modified":"2013-08-01T16:18:43","modified_gmt":"2013-08-01T15:18:43","slug":"party-wall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/guides\/diy\/party-wall\/","title":{"rendered":"The Party Wall: How to save time and money"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Party Wall Act is something that needs to be given great consideration when it comes to improving your home, because by not following the correct procedures you could be faced with a large bill. <\/p>\n

For any extension you plan to complete on your premises, the neighbours will always have a part to play. If they kick up a fuss about any work you\u2019re considering it can leave to large delays whilst cases are heard. <\/p>\n

Remember, your neighbours will go through some of the hassle throughout the construction process without a reward at the end of it, so always keep them on your side by ensuring they\u2019re well informed. Laws also stipulate that you must give them advanced warning of work you\u2019re considering.
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What should I do?<\/h2>\n

For any work you\u2019re considering which is governed by the Party Wall Act, two months\u2019 notice must be given to neighbours two months prior to work commencing. This will include work which affects a party wall or boundary, or excavations within three or six metres from next door property. Of course, this covers most extensions and conversions you would consider <\/p>\n

You won\u2019t require planning permission to serve the notice and work can begin up to a year after you\u2019ve spoken to your neighbours. If your proposals change throughout the process you should be able to show them the revised plans without serving a new notice. <\/p>\n

Surveyor Rupert Lloyd warns homeowners on some pitfalls to avoid, saying: \u201cTypical mistakes I have seen include failing to include a start date or a drawing showing the foundations.\u201d He also comments that another common mistake made by homeowners is assuming they know who owns the house next door. To avoid this potential problem make sure to check the Land Registry website.<\/p>\n

What happens next?<\/h2>\n

After your notice has been served, neighbours have 14 days to respond. If they agree to your proposals in writing the work can commence immediately, if they fail to reply or disagree with your plans, then a dispute comes into play. This is where matters can start becoming expensive. <\/p>\n

You should decide with your neighbour on whether to share a surveyor when drawing up a party wall award. By agreeing on the same surveyor you can save between \u00a3500 and \u00a31,000, so it\u2019s a good idea to speak to your neighbour before serving official notice. <\/p>\n

Essentially, don\u2019t choose a surveyor who is employed on the project because your neighbours are unlikely to see this as a neutral choice. <\/p>\n

The party wall timeline<\/h2>\n