Party Wall Act problems

[mahonia7]

Hi

We have given our neighbours the party wall notice that we intend to start work in two months time - no reply - after 14 days you are seen as being in "dispute".

We then gave them the 10 day notice that you need to serve to say that if they do not respond and give you details of their surveyor within 10 days then your surveyor will appoint a surveyor on their behalf.

It is obviously delaying tactics. Another neighbour told me that they experienced this but that you can start work after the two month period. Is this true? I'm wondering how long they can drag this out.

No point in trying to talk to them...

M

You say there is no point talking to them but it probably is worth a try just to let them know that the work will be happening anyway and to find out what it is they object to (if anything). Some people will just dig their heels in about everything - even a loft conversion - but the Party Wall Act is there, primarily, to make sure that their property is not damaged by your work. Point out that if they do not allow a surveyor into their home to take a schedule of condition then they will have no come-back if the work on your home does cause them problems.

Neighbours like this are complete pita but smile sweetly, try to communicate, stand your ground and, if you haven't got a surveyor already, appoint one asap to get the work moving. I think it is true that the work can start within two months of the first notice being served as long as the neighbours don't try to challenge the "award" - the agreement that the surveyor draws up on their behalf.

Good luck - hope it is worth it and, if they ever decide to extend, remember to be really difficult.