Our Essex solicitors understand that renovating or building a home is exciting.
However, we also fully understand that it can be stressful, especially when things go wrong.
Delays, cost overruns, defective work, lack of communication or attendance and disputes with contractors can quickly turn your dream project into a legal nightmare.
However, seeking advice from one of our experts can save you time, money, and peace of mind.
We are here to assist every step of the way, and we can give guidance no matter how big or small the issue is that you are facing.
Contracts
Legal advice isn’t just for when things go wrong. We can assist you from the very outset of your project.
A short consultation before works commence or prior to you signing a contract can help you:
- Understand your obligations
- Understand your contractor’s obligations
- Avoid potential disputes from arising
A clear, concise and compliant contract protects both you and the contractor and seeks to prevent miscommunications, delays, and unexpected costs further down the line.
Remember, prevention is cheaper than litigation.
Party Wall Act 1996
Whether you are planning a home extension, loft conversion, or substantial garden works, understanding your obligations under the Party Wall Act 1996 is essential.
The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes relating to party walls, boundary walls, and excavations near neighbouring buildings.
The Act is designed to protect both the building owner undertaking works and the adjoining owner who might be affected by such works.
The Act applies in three main scenarios:
- Works to a party wall or party structure
- The construction of a new wall on the boundary
- Excavations near a neighbouring building
If your planned works falls under the Act, you must serve a Party Wall Notice on all affected adjoining owners.
Failing to follow the Party Wall process can have serious consequences.
If you proceed without serving notice, your neighbour could seek a court injunction to stop the work, or you may be liable for damage.
If you’re unsure whether your project falls under the Party Wall Act, you need assistance serving notices or resolving a dispute or you believe you should have been served with a party wall notice, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Dispute resolution
There will of course be instances when things go wrong and at Palmers we specialise in all forms of dispute resolution.
Our aim is to resolve disputes as swiftly and at proportionate costs as possible, prior to the matter reaching formal proceedings.
Depending on your contract you may have the right to refer a dispute to Adjudication, alternatively Court proceedings maybe the only way to seek to resolve matters.
Our construction team has a wealth of experience in all forms of dispute resolution and we can assist in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, adjudication, expert determination and court proceedings.
We are open and honest with our advice and will always provide you with sufficient and clear advice to allow you to make the best decision possible.
It is vital that should a dispute arise that you seek advice at the earliest opportunity to ensure that you are placed in the best possible position to obtain a favourable outcome.
For more detailed guidance, please contact our solicitors.
