Faulkners Surveyors Doncaster

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.

Are party wall agreements compulsory?

If you’re planning on carrying out any building work, you may have come across the term ‘party wall agreement.’ But what exactly is a party wall agreement, and is it compulsory for all building work? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of party wall agreements to help you better understand what they are, when they’re needed, and why they’re important.

What is a party wall agreement?

A party wall agreement, also known as a party wall award, is a legal agreement between two or more property owners who share a boundary, such as a wall or fence. The agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party in relation to any building work that could potentially affect the shared structure.

When is a party wall agreement needed?

A party wall agreement is required for any building work that could potentially affect a shared structure in Doncaster, such as:

Building a new wall on the boundary
Excavating near a shared wall
Cutting into a party wall to install beams or lintels
Carrying out structural repairs to a shared wall
Underpinning a party wall to strengthen foundations

In some cases, even minor work such as drilling into a shared wall may require a party wall agreement.

Advantages of a party wall agreement

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

Clarifying the rights and responsibilities of each party
Minimizing the risk of disputes arising between neighbors
Providing a framework for resolving any disputes that do arise
Ensuring that all parties are aware of the potential impact of the building work
Protecting the structural integrity of the shared wall or boundary

How to obtain a party wall agreement

If you’re planning on carrying out building work that requires a party wall agreement in Doncaster, there are several steps you’ll need to take:

Serve notice to your neighbour(s) at least two months before starting any work. The notice should include details of the proposed work, as well as a request for a party wall agreement.
Your neighbor(s) will have 14 days to respond to the notice. If they agree to the proposed work, you can proceed with the building work.
If your neighbor(s) do not agree to the proposed work, or if they do not respond within 14 days, a dispute will arise. You can appoint a surveyor to draw up a party wall agreement, or your neighbor(s) can appoint their own surveyor. If both parties cannot agree on a surveyor, a third surveyor can be appointed to act as a neutral party.

Conclusion

A party wall agreement may seem like an unnecessary legal requirement, but it can help to prevent disputes and ensure that all parties are aware of the potential impact of building work. If you’re planning on carrying out any work that could potentially affect a shared structure, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified surveyor and obtain a party wall agreement before starting any work.

At Faulkners Doncaster, we have a team of experienced surveyors who can provide expert advice and assistance with party wall agreements. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your building project.