One critical aspect of the basement conversion is the potential of falling out with your neighbours for which party wall agreement is the most viable solution. It is essential to ensure that any underpinning is carried out safely. Due to general misperception regarding basements, people tend to consider it a dangerous project.
One critical aspect of the basement conversion is the potential of falling out with your neighbours for which party wall agreement is the most viable solution. It is essential to ensure that any underpinning is carried out safely. Due to general misperception regarding basements, people tend to consider it a dangerous project. You might take into account how your neighbours will react to your basement conversion planning. So, it is essential to have a Party Wall Agreement in place before carrying out your basement conversion.
The Party Wall Agreement advises the homeowners connected to your property of the works being carried out that would affect the shared wall. Then the dates work ought to begin. In this instance, statutory notice is two months prior to the planned dates of construction. While you will be digging, you will also have to include plans showing the extent of the undertaking. No matter if your basement conversion will be within six meters of the adjacent building.
You neighbours have 14 days to respond after you have served them with these notices. If they don’t respond during this time, they seem to be contesting your proposed work. In that case, they are obliged to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. You’ll have to bear the cost of the Party Wall Surveyor if you’re carrying out the basement conversion. After working with all the relevant parties, the Party Wall Surveyor will then award a party wall agreement. Only after securing an agreement, you begin working on your basement conversion.
A leading basement conversion company in London will advise you on all the phases of the process. They will also make sure it goes smoothly and will connect you with one of their Party Wall Surveyors. An expert team will also give minimal cause to complain to your neighbours with minimal disruption.
The Party Wall Act is aimed at protecting the concerns of neighbouring, and to facilitate smooth negotiations regarding construction works. Party walls stand on the land of two or more landowners and form part of a building. In line with the Party Wall Act 1996, you must inform your neighbours if you want to execute any building work near or on your shared property boundary in England and Wales.
According to this Act, it will be necessary to issue a Party Wall Notice if you’re undergoing a basement conversion. Whether it is being built or extended. Current regulations stipulate that this is the case if a new built is less than six metres apart and lower than a line drawn downwards at 45° from the bottom of the neighbour’s foundation. In addition, it is also applicable when undertaking an excavation and basement walls within three metres of a connected building or structure owned by others.
There are different ways to obtain a Party Wall Agreement. The first and most economical option is to issue a standard letter that each neighbour signs. Indeed, it will help if you get on with your neighbours at this moment!
Alternatively, you may require to instruct a Party Wall Surveyor who acts as an arbitrator between both parties. This can include coming up with new structural engineer designs that all parties are comfortable with.
However, the worst-case scenario is if each party instructs their own Party Wall Surveyor. It will drag the duration of the project besides adding additional costs.