How it works
Party Wall Notices & Responses
Once notices are prepared and served, the Adjoining Owner is obliged to respond in writing within 14 days. Their response determines what happens next and the extent of our involvement.
Consent or dissent?
1. Consent
The Adjoining Owner has no concerns about the notifiable works and there is no need for an Award to be served. Their consent gives you the green light to commence the works.
2. Dissent
This means the Adjoining Owner has concerns about how your works will affect their property. However, it does not mean they can prevent the works from happening, nor does it override any planning permission you have received from your local authority.
In this instance, we will prepare an Award. Your neighbour will need to appoint their own surveyor and we will work together to agree and serve the Award.
3. Multiple Surveyors
Dissent and appoint a surveyor of their choice whereby the two appointed surveyors work together to agree and serve an Award.
Agreements & Awards
A Party Wall Agreement, known as an Award, is a legally binding document prepared by a Party Wall Surveyor. It is for the benefit of both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner(s) and details how the proposed works are to be carried out, incorporating the resolution to any disputes that have arisen.
Although it is not mandatory, we always advise that the Award includes a ‘schedule of condition’ of the adjoining property, so that there can be no uncertainties in the event that damage occurs during the works.
The Award provides the Building Owner with the right to proceed with the proposed works under the Party Wall Act, whilst also protecting the interests of the Adjoining Owners. The Award also contains details of the building contractor, agreed access and working hours.
Non-compliance with the Act, such as not serving notice or failing to resolve matters by way of an Award, is a major risk to take. Your building works could be delayed or declared unlawful, and you could face legal claims and costs.
Once the Award has been served there is a period of 14 days in which either party can make an appeal, which must be heard in the County Court. If there is no appeal, the Award becomes legally binding and the specifications cannot later be challenged.
How Home Approved can help?
We provide expert Party Wall advice and services
- We will deal with the process from start to finish, giving you peace of mind that the notices and the award comply with legislation
- Make contact with the adjoining owner(s)/building owner(s) and deal directly with them or their appointed surveyor
- Help you to avoid unnecessary disputes with your neighbours
- Ensure that any awards are served or responded to in a timely fashion
- Provide you with one point of contact