Party Wall Agreement Borehamwood

If you’re planning to undertake construction work on a shared boundary with your neighbour, you might need a party wall agreement.

It’s a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parties involved in the construction process.

Removing a Chimney Breast: Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

Removing a chimney breast is a common renovation project that many homeowners undertake to create more space in their homes. However, before you start the work, it’s important to understand whether you need a party wall agreement. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A party wall agreement is a legal document between property owners that outlines their rights and responsibilities concerning a shared wall or boundary. It covers work on or near the wall, including construction, repair, and maintenance, as well as any damage that may occur during the works.

Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement to Remove a Chimney Breast?

The answer depends on whether the chimney breast is shared with your neighbor. If it’s a party wall, you’ll need to follow the procedures set out in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

However, if the chimney breast is entirely on your property and doesn’t affect your neighbor’s property, you won’t need a party wall agreement.

Advantages of a Party Wall Agreement

While a party wall agreement may not be legally required in some cases, it’s still a good idea to have one in place. Here are some of the advantages:

Clarifies the extent of the work to be carried out
Defines the responsibilities of each party
Protects your property against potential damage during construction
Minimizes the risk of disputes and legal complications with your neighbor

How to Get a Party Wall Agreement

If you do require a party wall agreement to remove your chimney breast, you should follow these steps:

Serve notice to your neighbor: You’ll need to provide your neighbor with written notice of your intention to remove the chimney breast. The notice should include details of the proposed works and their estimated start date. You must also provide plans and drawings of the works.
Responding to the notice: After receiving the notice, your neighbor has 14 days to respond. If they agree to the works, you can move forward with the party wall agreement. If not, you’ll need to appoint a surveyor to prepare the agreement.
Appointing a surveyor: If you and your neighbor can’t agree on the party wall agreement, you’ll need to appoint a surveyor. Your neighbor will also need to appoint a surveyor, and the two surveyors will collaborate to prepare the agreement.

Conclusion

Removing a chimney breast can create valuable space in your home, but it’s important to understand whether you need a party wall agreement before starting the work. At Faulkners in Borehamwood, we offer a range of surveying services, including party wall agreements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get a party wall agreement in place and ensure a smooth and stress-free renovation process.