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If you’re planning on carrying out construction work on a property that shares a wall or boundary with another property, you may need a party wall agreement. A party wall agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party in relation to the proposed works.

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DO YOU NEED A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT IN burgess hill?

 
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into party wall agreements, including what they are, when they’re needed, and how to obtain one.
 

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is a document that is designed to protect the interests of both property owners when construction work is being carried out on a shared boundary or wall. It is a legally binding agreement that sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party in relation to the proposed works. The agreement is usually put in place before any work commences and can cover a range of issues, such as noise pollution, safety, and access.
 

When is a Party Wall Agreement Required?

 
A party wall agreement is required when a property owner plans to carry out certain types of construction work on a shared boundary or wall. The specific types of work that require a party wall agreement include:
  • Building a new wall on or astride the boundary between two properties
  • Cutting into a party wall
  • Raising, lowering, or otherwise altering a party wall
  • Underpinning a party wall
  • Excavating within 3-6 meters of an adjacent property, depending on the depth of the excavation
If you’re unsure whether your planned works require a party wall agreement, it’s best to speak to a qualified surveyor who can advise you on the specific requirements.
 

Advantages of a Party Wall Agreement

 
There are several advantages to obtaining a party wall agreement, including:
  • Avoiding disputes: A party wall agreement can help to avoid disputes between neighbours by clearly setting out the rights and responsibilities of each party.
  • Legal protection: A party wall agreement is a legally binding document that can help to protect both parties in the event of a dispute.
  • Clarification of responsibilities: The agreement sets out each party’s responsibilities in relation to the proposed works, which can help to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
  • Increased transparency: The agreement can increase transparency around the proposed works, which can help to build trust between neighbours.

How to Obtain a Party Wall Agreement

 
If you determine that you need a party wall agreement, the first step is to appoint a party wall surveyor. The surveyor will then serve notice on the affected parties and set out the proposed works. The notice must be served at least two months before work is due to start, and the affected parties have the option to either agree to the works or dissent.
If all parties agree to the works, the surveyor will draw up a party wall agreement, which will include details of the proposed works, the rights and responsibilities of each party, and any other relevant information. The agreement is then signed by all parties and becomes legally binding.
 

Conclusion

In summary, if you’re planning on carrying out construction work on a property that shares a wall or boundary with another property, it’s important to determine whether you need a party wall agreement. A party wall agreement can help to avoid disputes, provide legal protection, clarify responsibilities, and increase transparency around the proposed works. If you’re unsure about whether you need a party wall agreement, it’s best to speak to a qualified surveyor who can provide you with tailored advice. Faulkners in Burgess Hill