A lot of the Party wall disputes arise due to the lack of clear understanding of the Party Wall Act. As per the act, not all party wall notices are consented to, and if explained properly a lot of the unnecessary party wall disputes can be avoided.
As a building owner if you are considering an extension work which fall within the scope of the Party Wall etc. Act, you need to keep certain things in your mind and follow these simple steps and obtaining a consent for a party wall notice would become a lot less hassle-free.
- Communication: Communication is a very strong tool. Proper communication can solve a lot of disputes even before it starts. Speak to the homeowners. Receiving an official party wall notice out of the blue can be quite daunting for the average homeowner. You must let them know about your plans as soon as the first drawings are available or even before that and explain the situation to them. This gives them adequate time to decide and also ensures trust.
- Listen to their complaints: Communication is a two-way door. In order to establish trust, you must also listen to what they have to say about the proposed construction or extensions. Hear out for what problems might arise for them due to this and if it is actually a problem. Once you are able to see both sides of the issue you might even be able to make certain changes to your plans in order to solve the issue for the homeowners.
- Often, the concerns of homeowners revolve around children or animals. This can be easily avoided by an additional hoarding near the location warning people in advance. Sometimes, to get the consent of the homeowner you might even have to make amendments in your design, but in the long run this would be key to successful negotiations.
- Serve Early: There are a lot of tasks involved in an extension work, for both the owner of the property and the adjoined owner. It is always a better option to provide all the information revolving the plan. Nobody likes to be rushed, especially when important decisions need to be made. If the notices arrive late the homeowner might appoint a surveyor, and you would be entitled to bear the surveyor’s reasonable fee.
- Clear Drawing: It is always better to explain a plan with a diagram. Nothing leaves a clearer image than an actual image. Adding some drawings and diagrams to the plan while explaining the extensions you have in mind might help in getting an easier consent. This helps them understand how the changes are going to impact them and any potential impact on their property.
- Offer to pay for schedule of condition: Often the homeowner’s main concern is regarding any damage which might come to the property during the work. This problem can be very easily avoided by arranging a schedule of condition visit by a party wall surveyor so that it is easy to identify any damage. The homeowner can make their consent such that you have to cover for the reasonable fee for the surveyor and the schedule of condition. It costs an exponential amount of money to hire separate solicitors and Party Wall Surveyors for a party wall notice. It would be cheap and efficient for you to pay for the schedule of condition visit for the homeowner in return for their consent. An accurate validation of the property will also protect both the owners in case there is some sort of a damage.
Several party walls disputes arise when a homeowner does not want to give consent as the fees are meant to be paid by them. But with proper information and planning this can be avoided and the entire issue can be solved without any additional commotion.