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If you’re planning to undertake construction work on your property, whether it’s a small extension or a major renovation, you may need to consider a party wall agreement. This is a legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of property owners who share a boundary with the construction site.

DO YOU NEED A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT IN burntwood?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into party wall agreements, including what they are, when you need one, and how to go about obtaining one.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is a legal contract between two or more property owners who share a boundary. It’s designed to protect the interests of both parties and ensure that any construction work carried out on the shared wall, floor, or ceiling is done safely and with minimum inconvenience. The party wall agreement is necessary because the construction work can potentially cause damage to the adjoining property or land.

Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

You may need a party wall agreement if you’re planning to carry out any of the following work:

Building a new wall on the boundary between two properties
Cutting into an existing party wall
Carrying out work on a party wall
Digging within three or six meters of an adjoining property, depending on the depth of the excavation

It’s worth noting that even if you don’t need a party wall agreement, it’s always good practice to inform your neighbors of any planned work, and to address any concerns they may have.

Advantages of Having a Party Wall Agreement

There are many advantages to having a party wall agreement in place, including:

It provides clarity on the work that’s being carried out, and who is responsible for it.
It helps to prevent disputes between neighbors, as everything is clearly defined in the agreement.
It ensures that any potential damage is identified and dealt with promptly.
It can prevent costly legal action, as everything is agreed upon in advance.

How to Obtain a Party Wall Agreement

If you’re planning to carry out any work that requires a party wall agreement, you should start by speaking to your neighbors. Ideally, you should provide them with written notice of the proposed work, including details of the party wall and any other relevant information. You should also provide them with a copy of the party wall act, which outlines their rights and obligations.

Once you’ve provided your neighbors with written notice, you can then appoint a party wall surveyor to prepare a party wall agreement. The surveyor will visit your property and carry out a thorough inspection, before preparing a detailed report that outlines the work to be carried out, and any potential risks or issues.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to undertake any construction work on your property, it’s important to consider whether you need a party wall agreement. This legal document is designed to protect the interests of both parties and ensure that any work is carried out safely and with minimum inconvenience. If you’re unsure whether you need a party wall agreement, or if you need advice on how to obtain one, contact Faulkners Surveyors in Burntwood today. We can provide you with expert guidance and advice, and help you navigate the process smoothly.