You are planning on doing some work to your property. Here are some of the things you need to know before you get started.
- Definition of a Party Wall Agreement: – A Party Wall Agreement, also known as a Party Wall Award, is a legally binding document prepared by a party wall surveyor or surveyors. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of property owners regarding construction, alteration, or repair work involving shared walls or structures between two properties.
- Contents of the Agreement: – The agreement typically includes details of the proposed works, working hours, measures for preventing damage, and access rights for contractors. It also outlines the process for resolving any disputes that may arise during the construction period.
- Importance of the Agreement: – This agreement is crucial for preventing and resolving disputes between neighbours. It ensures that all work is carried out legally and fairly, respecting the rights of both parties involved, and provides a clear framework for managing any potential issues or damage related to the party wall.
Yes. The party wall notice must come from you as the building owner (or you can appoint a surveyor to serve notices on your behalf). There are three types of notice: a Section 1 notice covers building on the line of junction, a Section 3 notice covers works to the party structure and a Section 6 notice covers excavations. If you are unsure of which notice to serve, or what information should be included, you should speak to your party wall surveyor.
Yes. We will confirm land registry details for all adjoining owners affected by the work.
This varies depending on the type of work and the quality of design information supplied with the notices. An Award for a basement project will generally take longer to prepare than an Award for a loft conversion. Surveyors are required to act effectively within 10 days of receiving a request to do act. We will ensure Awards are concluded as efficiently as possible and will keep you updated throughout the process.
This is the survey of an adjoining property to record its condition before the work begins. It notes down any existing defects or damage with the intention of providing a clear starting point should there be any claims for damage as a result of the notifiable works.
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As the adjoining owner you have a right to ensure you are not inconvenienced by your neighbours’ work. We will also make sure your neighbour is legally responsible for correcting any damage that may be caused.
- Definition of a Party Wall Agreement: – A Party Wall Agreement, also known as a Party Wall Award, is a legally binding document prepared by a party wall surveyor or surveyors. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of property owners regarding construction, alteration, or repair work involving shared walls or structures between two properties.
- Contents of the Agreement: – The agreement typically includes details of the proposed works, working hours, measures for preventing damage, and access rights for contractors. It also outlines the process for resolving any disputes that may arise during the construction period.
- Importance of the Agreement: – This agreement is crucial for preventing and resolving disputes between neighbours. It ensures that all work is carried out legally and fairly, respecting the rights of both parties involved, and provides a clear framework for managing any potential issues or damage related to the party wall.
Yes. In normal circumstances the building owner carrying out the work is liable for all surveyors’ fees. Fees are usually written into the award, and they must be reasonable and justifiable. We will ensure this is the case.
Once surveyors are appointed the first action, they will take is to select a Third Surveyor. We will provide contact details for the Third Surveyor as all parties have a right to refer any matter to them at any stage. If the award is served and you feel something is fundamentally wrong with it, you may appeal it at the County Court within 14 days of its service. We will, of course, endeavour to resolve any issues directly if you contact us in the first instance.
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