The Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

 The Act provides a framework for preventing or resolving disputes in relation to party walls, party structures, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. Anyone intending to carry out work (anywhere in England and Wales) of the kinds described in the Act must give Adjoining Owners notice of their intentions. 

The Party Wall Act is often overlooked on a construction project, and it can cause delays if it isn’t factored in to the programme. The best time to contact a surveyor about your project is as soon as you become aware that the Act might apply to the works. 

JPMA Surveyors Ltd are experienced in giving advice and providing services relating to party wall matters, and have the necessary "technical standards expected" of RICS Members accepting appointment as Party Wall surveyors.

Contact us to discuss your party wall matter:

Below are some of the works you can only do to a party structure with the written agreement of the adjoining owner:

1. Cut into the wall to take the bearing of a beam.
2. Insert a damp proof course all the way through a wall.
3. Raise or reduce a party wall including cutting off projections.
4. Cut a flashing into an adjoining wall.
5. Build a new wall on a line of junction between two properties.
6. Removal of chimney breasts from a party wall.
7. Excavate below the foundation level within 3.0m
8. Excavate within 6.0m of an adjoining structure below a plane
of 45° from the foundations of a structure.
9. Demolish & rebuild a party wall or underpin all or part thereof

In accordance with the Act any works that are notifiable, ie any works that are affected and included within the terms of the ACT MUST be processed in the correct way, and this start with the correct legal process of service notices on your neighbours to inform them of your intentions to carry out works that could affect them.