You cannot build a fence or excavate areas near your neighbour's property without issuing a formal party wall notice. This is under the building regulations covered under the Party Wall Act.

Not following the laws stipulated in the Act can get you into legal trouble. Here is where you need the services of a party wall surveyor in Essex. They will act on your behalf, mediating between you and your neighbour to ensure that your project continues successfully in accordance with the Act.

How Will a Surveyor Assist You?

Let's take a deep dive into what services Essex party wall surveyors offer.

  • Issuing Notices and Awards

The first thing surveyors do is draft and serve notices, written in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the Party Wall Act. Once the notice is served, the next step is writing agreements that outline the construction work involved.

The agreement will include the role of each party during the building process and will also highlight what you and your neighbour have to do to maintain the shared wall and ensure that it is in good condition.

  • Dispute Resolution

Disagreements can sometimes arise between you and your neighbours. Instead of going to court and incurring higher costs, party wall surveyors are experienced in handling these cases.

They will act impartially, listening to the involved parties and following the regulations as laid out in the Party Wall Act. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the surveyor will issue an award, declaring how the construction will be done and specifying compensation for any potential damage.

  • Safety and Compliance

Safety and compliance are crucial, especially during work that may involve excavation. The surveyors will do regular inspection to ensure that the construction is done per the regulation under the Act and the issued party wall award.

The goal is to make sure the process proceeds smoothly with as few inconveniences as possible. They will also ensure that the rights and interests of the involved parties are safeguarded until project completion.

Hiring a Professional Party Wall Expert

Hiring a surveyor should be the step you take before you even consider hiring an excavator or building contractor to break ground. They will ensure everything is done by law following Essex's building regulations and the Party Wall Act.

Look for a surveyor with proven work experience in or around Essex. Their expertise will be crucial, especially if the building project is complex. They will also help settle disputes and ensure that you and your neighbour are on the same page.

The RICS website is a good place where you can find professional party wall experts for a project in Essex or anywhere else in the UK.

Wrapping Up

You are required by law to hire a party wall expert to handle building projects covered under the Party Wall Act. Building a shared wall or construction projects that may invade your neighbour's privacy can lead to disputes between the involved parties. Bringing a party wall surveyor on board can eliminate potential issues and future complaints.