Why not follow SJA’s key messages in your early discussions with neighbours about your build project? We are here to help you in implementing and administering the party wall process. Our observation is that doing so with our specialist team’s assistance saves you and your neighbours time, cost and hassle as well as importantly preserving good neighbourly relations.
Message 1: “No one likes living next door to a building site – and we understand…”
Hopefully self-explanatory – worth showing some empathy!
Message 2: “….As a result we intend to be altruistic in our approach to our project.”
If you are not familiar with prisoners dilemma and basic game theory have a read on Wikipedia. Over many ‘games’ collaboration and altruistic behaviours are rational even when a more appealing personal gain is available. This simple model fits party wall precisely and explains why consent ought to be (and based on our observation – is) more likely with an independently run process. Conclusion: invest in running a process with SJA and you will more times than not see the benefit.
Message 3: “It is your option what you choose to do with party wall notices that you are served – and we respect that.”
Upon being served party wall notices by you, your neighbours have a number of options. These options imply drastically different costs for you. It is your neighbours decision what they feel comfortable choosing to do. Once appointed, working with you we will seek to engage with your neighbour to communicate the project and their options so they better understand the process and what they need to do to protect themselves. Respect and accept their decision even if it is not what you want to hear!
