KENNEDY & SKIDMORE LTD.

Questions & Answers

Party Wall etc Act. 1996

Q. What type of work is covered by the Act?

A. Various work that is going to be carried out directly to an existing party wall or structure. New building at or astride the boundary line between properties Excavation within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbouring building(s) or structure(s), depending on the depth of the hole or proposed foundations.

Q. What is a party wall?

A. The main types of party walls are: a wall that stands on the lands of 2 (or more) owners and forms part of a building - this wall can be part of one building only or separate buildings belonging to different owners, a wall that stands on the lands of 2 owners but does not form part of a building, such as a garden wall but not including timber fences, a wall that is on one owner’s land but is used by 2 (or more) owners to separate their buildings. The Act also uses the expression ‘party structure’. This could be a wall or floor partition or other structure separating buildings or parts of buildings in different ownership, such as in flats.

Q. What does the Act cover?

A. The Act covers: new building on or at the boundary of 2 properties, work to an existing party wall or party structure

excavation near to and below the foundation level of neighbouring buildings. This may include: building a new wall on or at the boundary of 2 properties, cutting into a party wall, making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper,

removing chimney breasts from a party wall, knocking down and rebuilding a party wall, digging below the foundation level of a neighbour’s property.

Services and Fees

Fixed fees and hourly rates

The Party Wall etc Act. 1996 often turns up as a shock for many home owners who are about to commence building  work on their property.  This can cause delays and unexpected costs. Through experience, we  know that by addressing Party Wall matters at an early stage, we can  minimise the risks of delays and escalated costs to the Building or Adjoining owners.

We believe in providing a cost effective and professional service to all of our client’s. Our fees, under all normal circumstances are paid by the building owner. It is difficult to quote exact figures as they vary widely from job to job. If we are appointed by the building owner we will normally quote a fixed fee. If we act as surveyor for the adjoining owner’s only, we will charge by the hour with contingencies for additional visits - the final figure is agreed and entered into the award just before it is served.

Boundary Line