How Will the Party Wall Act Affect installing My Conservatory?

Why you can't just go ahead and build your conservatory

Occasionally you'll notice a news story in regards to a property dispute between neighbours. This is often anything from the height of a hedge between them to the building of a conservatory. When https://westmidlandssurveyor.co.uk/best-party-wall-surveys-west-midlands/ are considering the latter, be aware of the Party Wall Act 1996. Making certain you make reference to this before building can save an awful lot of hassle later. Here is a quick guide to the main element points...

What is it?

The Party Wall Act 1996 regulates what you can and cannot do when building either on part of, or close to, a neighbour's property. You should refer to it if you are planning to create a conservatory which would involve:

? a preexisting wall or structure shared with another property
? a free of charge standing wall up to or astride the boundary to your neighbour's property
? excavating near a neighbouring building to create your foundations

The fence that's not actually a fence

The term Party Wall Fence actually identifies a wall which doesn't form section of a building but does straddle the boundary between you and your neighbour. If you are planning to build from this, or excavate within three metres of it, there is action you will need to take.

An important notice

At least 8 weeks before work starts, you must give your neighbour the official notice, containing information such as:

? name, address, and owners of the house
? statement that it's being served beneath the terms of this act
? complete description and proposed start date of work
? date of serving the notice
? what happens if there is a dispute

Just having a speak to your neighbour isn't good enough. They can consent to work starting earlier, but don't have to. Your builder or architect, making use of their experience, should deal with this for you. Your neighbours have 14 days to give written permission or register dissent. If they don't reply, you proceed to...

A Party Wall Dispute

A surveyor or surveyors is appointed to determine a fair and impartial award. Each party can appoint their own or agree to just one single. After the making of an award, if this won't settle the dispute, all parties can interest a County Court.

Once agreement is reached

All work must comply with the notice. Keep your copy; if you later sell the house, a prospective owner may wish to check it.

Final words

That is a very basic guide. There's greater detail in a free 42-page booklet from the Department for Communities and Local Government. If all of this seems a headache, it's surely infinitely preferable to the alternative!

Ultraframe are specialist designers and manufacturers of conservatories and orangeries