So some of the most FAQs Lewes Jason Edworthy receives about Party Walls answered clearly in an attempt to help guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions Lewes answered
A: So, What is a Party Wall and when does the Party Wall Act Apply?
A party wall is a common partition between two properties—typically the dividing line between terraced or semi-detached houses. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes into play when you make changes to a shared structure or the boundary, and include, for example:

Q: Can I carry out works without a party wall agreement?
A : Not always but if your proposed work is under The Party Wall Act then you have to serve a party wall notice on the adjoining owners. If they give written permission then go ahead. If they disagree or refuse, then after 14 days you will be required to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor to create a Party Wall Award this is an agreement which is legally binding.
Q: Can You Serve a Party Wall Notice?
A: Am I allowed to give the notice myself? However, the majority of homeowner s and builders prefer to have a Party Wall Surveyor like Jason Edworthy prepare and serve it to avoid errors.
Sending improper notices can delay things or cause disputes.
Q: What if my neighbour abandons the party wall notice Lewes?
A: When there is no response after 14 days the law considers it to be in dispute and you need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor for next steps. Contacting a surveyor early keeps the process on your timeline, but also can still delay your build so we advise calling them asap.
Q: What is a Party Wall Award Lewes and Why It Is so Vital?
A: So with this legal document, what is a Party Wall Award? A Party Wall Award is a set of the terms prepared by surveyor (s) which could consist of:- What work will be done When and How It Will Occur Access rights for the builder What we are protecting the neighbour’s property from It safeguards both parties and makes sure work is performed in a secure and professional manner.
Q: What recourse do I have if my neighbour is building on the boundary and has not asked me?
A: My neighbour is building right up to the boundary line but hasn't said anything to me about it, and if they do I am very likely to say no.
This Act means that they have to tell you before they start certain types of work - such as building a wall on the boundary or digging foundation close to your property.
So, if no notice is issued, you can very well object to it and claim your property back.
When this happens, it is important to speak with a Party Wall Surveyor such as Jason Edworthy that can explain your legal rights and ascertain if the proper procedures have been followed and suggest what steps may be necessary; whether this involves serving Counter-Notice or potentially applying for an injunction to halt the work until a resolution is found.
Q: Are both parties allowed to use Jason Edworthy as their Agreed Surveyor on the same project?
A: In the first instance, the Adjoining Owner has 14 days to RESPOND TO THE NOTICE. If you do not respond, the dispute will automatically be escalated. Step 3: Notice/Counter-Notice If an Adjoining Owner ISSUES a DISSENT to the Notice then a surveyor is appointed within 14 days …
I am going to break this down into around 4 weeks The Notice period for party structure works is 2 months however work can proceed immediately once an Award has been agreed. Neglecting the Party Wall Act, could be a serious impact on your project thus causing unwanted delays and extra costs. When in doubt, call us at Jason Edworthy — we might save you some time and money. Party wall notices are often served but our party wall surveyors in mayfair for the building owner andadjoining owner.
Q: Are both parties allowed to use Jason Edworthy as their Agreed Surveyor on the same project?
A: Let them know A, (with B's agreement) that Jason Edworthy can act for them as Agreed Surveyor who would be able to undertake the same role and help cut down on timescales and hopefully reduce costs. He is a neutral professional who stands for the best interests of everybody.
Q: What do you mean by a retrospective Party Wall Agreement in Lewes?
A: An example of a retrospective Party Wall Agreement; : If the work has already been started or completed without notice.
It is not the best situation, but it could settle disagreements and delineate roles after construction. Though it still makes sense to secure all these things properly before you start working with it.