You need a party wall agreement if you are planning to carry out any of the following types of building work:
Building a new wall on the boundary line
Cutting into an existing party wall
Raising the height of an existing wall and/or building a new wall adjacent to it
Excavating within three or six meters of the neighbouring property, depending on the depth of the excavation
It is important to note that you must serve a party wall notice on your neighbours at least two months before the proposed start date of the building work. This notice must contain details of the work, the proposed start date, and the name of the surveyor(s) appointed.
Advantages of Having a Party Wall Agreement
There are many benefits of having a party wall agreement in place, including:
Avoiding disputes with your neighbours, as everything is clearly defined in the agreement
Identifying and dealing with potential damage promptly, as the agreement will contain a detailed schedule of condition
Minimizing disruption and inconvenience to your neighbours, as the agreement will contain provisions for working hours, noise levels, and other factors
Reducing the risk of costly legal action, as everything is agreed upon in advance
How to Obtain a Party Wall Agreement
To obtain a party wall agreement, you must follow a set of steps, which include:
Serving the party wall notice on your neighbours
Appointing a party wall surveyor, who can be either an agreed surveyor or a separate surveyor for each party
Conducting a schedule of condition of the neighbouring property
Preparing and signing the party wall agreement
It is important to engage a professional surveyor who is experienced in party wall matters to help you navigate the process and ensure that your interests are protected.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are planning to carry out any building work that affects a shared wall, floor, or ceiling between your property and your neighbours, you need a party wall agreement. The agreement will protect both parties and ensure that the building work is carried out safely, with minimum disruption and inconvenience. Contact Faulkners Surveyors in Buxton today for expert advice and guidance on party wall matters. We can provide you with the support you need to navigate the process smoothly and ensure that your interests are protected.
