Architects

Party wall matters are not exciting but ignore them at your peril.

The Act is complex and has been criticised for being poorly drafted which has led to several well known legal cases.

In the well known case of Gyle-Thompson and Others v Wall Street (Properties) Ltd [1974] 1 All ER 295 the Judge said "...It therefore seems to me important that the steps laid down by the Act should be scrupulously followed throughout and short cuts are not desirable...."

The process in a nutshell is;
  • The identification of a relevant Party Wall/Structure
  • The identification of notifiable works
  • Valid appointment of Party Wall Surveyors
  • Correct identification of relevant owners
  • The serving of the appropriate notices to the adjoining owners
  • Condition schedules (although not strictly required by the Act)
  • Resolution of any disputes
  • Serving the award
  • Managing access and rights of entry
  • Completion of the notifiable works, inspection and checking for damage