If you’re planning to carry out any work that affects a party wall, such as making repairs, removing chimney breasts, or building an extension, you will need to serve a party wall notice on your neighbours. This is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and it is designed to protect the rights of all property owners involved. Your neighbours then have the option to either agree to the work, or to appoint their own surveyor to protect their interests.
What does a party wall agreement involve?
A party wall agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved, and it usually covers the following:
The work that will be carried out
The expected start and end dates of the work
The party responsible for the costs of the work
How the work will be carried out
How the adjoining property will be protected
The condition of the party wall before and after the work
How disputes will be resolved
What are the advantages of obtaining a party wall agreement?
Obtaining a party wall agreement can provide a range of benefits, such as:
Reducing the risk of disputes between neighbours
Ensuring that all parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities
Providing a clear plan for how the work will be carried out
Reducing the risk of damage to the adjoining property
Ensuring that the work is carried out in compliance with the law
Conclusion:
Obtaining a party wall agreement is an important step in ensuring that your building works comply with the law and that your neighbours’ rights are protected. At Faulkners in Stoke on Trent, our expert surveyors can provide advice on party wall agreements and ensure that your building works proceed smoothly. Contact us today to find out more.