Faulkners Surveyors beaconsfield

If you’re planning on carrying out building work on a property, it’s important to know whether you need a party wall agreement. This is a legal agreement between property owners that sets out the rights and responsibilities when building work involves a shared wall or boundary.

DO YOU NEED A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT IN beaconsfield?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into party wall agreements and help you determine whether you need one for your upcoming project.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement, also known as a party wall award, is a legal agreement between property owners who share a wall, boundary, or fence. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party when one party plans to carry out building work that affects the shared structure. The purpose of a party wall agreement is to protect both property owners by ensuring that the work is carried out safely and without causing damage to either property.

Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires property owners to serve notice and obtain a party wall agreement in certain circumstances. Here are some scenarios where you may need a party wall agreement:

Excavating near a boundary: If you plan to excavate within three metres of a neighbouring property and deeper than the neighbour’s foundations, you will need to obtain a party wall agreement.
Building on or at the boundary line: If you plan to build a wall or a structure on the boundary line between two properties, you will need to obtain a party wall agreement.
Altering a party wall: If you plan to alter a party wall, such as adding a new beam or removing an existing one, you will need to obtain a party wall agreement.
Demolishing a party wall: If you plan to demolish a party wall, you will need to obtain a party wall agreement.

Advantages of a Party Wall Agreement

Here are some advantages of having a party wall agreement:

Legal protection: A party wall agreement provides legal protection for both parties by outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party.
Damage prevention: A party wall agreement helps prevent damage to both properties during building work.
Cost-saving: A party wall agreement can help avoid costly legal disputes between neighbours.

Conclusion

If you’re planning building work that affects a shared wall or boundary, you may need to obtain a party wall agreement. This legal agreement protects both property owners and helps prevent disputes by setting out the rights and responsibilities of each party. Faulkners, located in Beaconsfield, can help you navigate the process of obtaining a party wall agreement. Contact us today to learn more.