Party Wall Surveyors in Dunham Massey (WA14)

Postcode district: WA14
Borough: Trafford
Planning authority: Trafford Council

Conservation areas

Dunham Town Conservation Area
Dunham Woodhouses Conservation Area

Much of the area is Green Belt, which limits the size of extensions.

Historic cottages, farmhouses and converted farm buildings, often attached, around Dunham Town and Dunham Woodhouses, with larger homes on the edge of Altrincham.

Projects we see most in Dunham Massey

Barn and outbuilding conversions
Rear extensions to cottages
Repairs to shared walls
Underpinning

How a party wall instruction works

Project reviewDrawings and scope checked against sections 1, 2 and 6.
Notice strategyWhich neighbours, which notices and when, to protect your programme.
Serve noticesCorrectly drafted notices served on every adjoining owner.
Schedule & awardThe neighbour's property recorded and the award agreed.
Close-outPost-works check and sign-off.

Rear extension

Needs notice if you build a new wall on or astride the boundary, or dig foundations within 3 m of a neighbour's building and deeper than theirs.

Sections 1 & 6Often

Side extension

Side returns and wrap-arounds usually sit on the boundary line and need new foundations right next to the neighbour's.

Sections 1 & 6Usually

Loft conversion

Cutting steel beams into the party wall, raising it or removing a shared chimney breast is work to a party wall.

Section 2Usually

Basement

Digging below your neighbour's foundations, and underpinning a shared wall, are both notifiable.

Sections 2 & 6Almost always

Excavation

Foundations, piling or deep drainage within 3 m of a neighbour's building, or within 6 m for deeper digs, can need notice.

Section 6Depends on depth

Structural alterations

Inserting beams into a shared wall, cutting in flashings or taking out a chimney breast on the party wall.

Section 2Usually

1 month notice for new walls at the boundary and excavation
2 months notice for work to an existing party wall
14 days for the neighbour to reply

Request a free consultation Call 0161 820 1121

Architects & design professionals

Residential architects, architectural technologists, designers, planning consultants, structural engineers and design-and-build practices.

Preliminary Party Wall assessments
Early identification of project risk
Technical guidance on notifiable works
CPD and educational sessions
A reliable referral pathway for your clients

Builders, surveyors & solicitors

Refer a client and we take notices, schedules of condition and awards off your programme.

Builders
Extension specialists
Loft conversion contractors
Surveyors
Solicitors
Project managers
Construction consultants

Refer a project Book a CPD session

You have 14 days to reply. If you don't, a dispute is assumed and surveyors are appointed. Your three options:

ConsentAgree to the work. A schedule of condition is still wise.
Agreed surveyorDissent and share one impartial surveyor.
Own surveyorDissent and appoint your own surveyor.

The building owner normally pays the surveyors' reasonable fees, and must make good any damage the works cause.

Get impartial advice from Corelain

Do repairs to an old shared wall in Dunham Massey need a party wall notice?

Often. Repairing, underpinning or rebuilding a party wall is work under section 2 of the Act, and needs two months' notice to the neighbour unless they agree in writing.

Do I need a party wall agreement for an extension in Dunham Massey?

Often, yes. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 you must serve notice before building a new wall on or astride the boundary (section 1), doing work to an existing party wall such as cutting in steel beams for a loft conversion (section 2), or excavating within 3 metres of a neighbour's building and deeper than its foundations, or within 6 metres for deeper excavations (section 6). The Act applies across England and Wales, including Dunham Massey.

How much notice do I need to give my neighbour?

One month for a new wall at the boundary or for excavation, and two months for work to an existing party wall. A notice lapses if the work has not started within 12 months.

What happens if my neighbour does not reply to a party wall notice?

If an adjoining owner does not reply within 14 days, a dispute is treated as having arisen. Surveyors are then appointed to agree a party wall award that sets out how and when the work can be done.

Who pays for the party wall surveyor?

The building owner, the person doing the work, normally pays the reasonable fees of both their own surveyor and the adjoining owner's surveyor.

Can I start building before the party wall award is agreed?

Not for notifiable work. You need your neighbour's written consent or an agreed award first. Starting early can lead to an injunction and delay.

Does planning permission cover party wall matters?

No. Planning permission, Building Regulations approval and the Party Wall Act are separate. The same extension may need all three.

I have received a party wall notice in Dunham Massey. What should I do?

Read it carefully and reply in writing within 14 days. You can consent, or dissent and either share one impartial surveyor (an agreed surveyor) or appoint your own.

Do I have to pay for my own party wall surveyor?

Usually not. The building owner normally pays the reasonable costs of the adjoining owner's surveyor.

What if my neighbour's building work damages my property?

A party wall award normally includes a schedule of condition recording your property before work starts. The building owner must make good any damage the work causes, or pay compensation.

Can I stop my neighbour's extension with the Party Wall Act?

No. The Act does not let you block work that is otherwise allowed. It controls how the work is done and protects your property while it happens.

Party Wall Surveyors in Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey planning facts