Party Wall Surveyors in the North West
At Fogarty Associates, we are proud to offer expert party wall surveying services across the North West of England.
With our office based in Wilmslow, Cheshire, we provide specialist advice and support to homeowners, developers, and property professionals throughout the region. Our in-depth knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, combined with years of hands-on experience, ensures that your project is in safe hands.
Why Choose Fogarty Associates for Party Wall Matters in the North West?
We are Chartered Surveyors and members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, which ensures we deliver:
- Comprehensive understanding of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- Experience handling a wide range of projects, from small domestic extensions to major commercial developments.
- Independent, impartial advice tailored to your needs.
Our aim is to help you maintain smooth neighbourly relations, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure compliance with the law to protect your property and investment.
Simply fill in the contact form and one of our team will call you back shortly.
What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework for preventing and resolving disputes between property owners who share boundaries or structures. The Act applies to:
- Building on or near boundary lines: This includes new walls or structures built on the boundary of two properties.
- Work on existing party walls: Repairs, alterations, or extensions involving shared walls.
- Excavations near neighbouring structures: Digging foundations or other work within specified distances of a neighbouring property.
Failing to comply with the Act can result in disputes, project delays, and even legal action. Our team ensures that every aspect of the Act is adhered to, safeguarding your project from these risks.
Expert Party Wall Services Across the North West
We provide a comprehensive range of party wall services to meet your specific requirements, including:
Impartial Advice on Party Wall Matters: Guidance on your rights and obligations under the Act.
Pre-Commencement Appraisals: Assessing building projects for compliance with the Act.
Notice Preparation and Service: Drafting and serving valid party wall notices to adjoining owners.
Responding to Notices: Representing adjoining owners and protecting their interests.
Acting as a Party Wall Surveyor: Acting on behalf of either building owners or adjoining owners, or as an agreed surveyor.
Party Wall Awards: Preparing binding agreements to regulate works.
Schedules of Condition: Recording property conditions prior to works commencing.
Post-Award Inspections: Ensuring compliance with Party Wall Awards.
We work with homeowners, developers, contractors, and councils across the North West, providing trusted expertise and peace of mind for all parties involved.
Get a call backWhen Do You Need to Serve a Party Wall Notice?
You must serve a party wall notice if you plan to:
- Build on or close to the boundary of your property.(section 1 notice).
- Carry out work on an existing party wall, such as demolitions, repairs, or extensions. (section 2 notice).
- Excavate foundations within three to six metres of a neighbouring property. (section 6 notice).
What Happens If a Notice is Ignored?
If an adjoining owner does not respond to a notice within 14 days, then a request is submitted to the Adjoining Owner asking him/ her to appoint a surveyor within 10 days. If the Adjoining Owner still does not respond then a surveyor is appointed on their behalf. The two surveyors must proceed under the Act and appoint a Third Surveyor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Party Wall Surveying
Yes. A Party Wall Agreement, or Award, is required if a neighbouring owner does not consent to your notice or fails to respond. This legally binding document outlines the responsibilities of both parties, ensuring smooth progress.
Typically, the building owner proposing the work is responsible for reasonable surveyor fees. However, costs can vary depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
Yes, if both parties agree, a single surveyor can act impartially for both the building owner and the adjoining owner. This often reduces costs and simplifies the process.
It affects all types of property such as residential, commercial and industrial. It applies to all types of construction work such as new builds, extensions, alterations and repairs.
It applies when there are works to an existing party wall, party fence wall, party structures, a new building at or astride the boundary line and excavation within 3m or 6m of a neighbouring structure.
By means of notices. There are three types:
- Section 1 – construction of walls on the line of junction (one month’s notice).
- Section 2 – repairs etc of a party wall (two month’s notice).
- Section 6 – excavations near an adjacent structure (one month’s notice).
The notice requires drawings such as sections, scope of works etc.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Inns of Court
No, only the Act.
No they cannot, a party to the dispute cannot be an appointed surveyor.
An agency role is a ‘client/ professional’ relationship similar. An example of a professional in this relationship could be an architect, structural engineer or quantity surveyor. It has no power under the Act.
A statutory role, the party wall surveyor, has a duty when appointed following dissent to a notice. It is subject to the powers given under the Act. There is no contract in the traditional sense. The surveyor does not report to the building owner.
Prepares and commentates on an Award, selects a Third Surveyor and determination of costs. The Party Wall Surveyor only exists if an Adjoining Owner dissents to a notice.
The Act does not formally require a condition survey but this is encouraged as otherwise the surveyors would challenge on any determination on the question of repair.
Areas We Cover in the North West
From our base in Wilmslow, Cheshire, we provide party wall surveying services across the North West, including but not limited to:
Counties
Cities
Towns
Our local expertise ensures we understand the unique challenges of property developments in the North West, allowing us to offer tailored advice and solutions.
Contact Fogarty Associates for Expert Party Wall Advice
WAs leading party wall surveyors in the North West, Fogarty Associates is your trusted partner for professional, impartial advice. Our membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ensures we uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
Take advantage of our free 30-minute consultation to discuss your project. We’ll help you determine whether the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and guide you through the necessary steps.
Get in Touch
Contact Fogarty Associates today to arrange your consultation. Call us or complete our online enquiry form to find out how we can assist with your party wall needs across the North West.
Simply fill in the contact form and one of our team will call you back shortly.
