Faulkners Surveyors Hoddesdon

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.

Modifying a Party Wall Award: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to undertake construction work on a party wall, you will need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. One of the requirements of the Act is to serve notice on your neighbour(s) and obtain a party wall award before commencing the work in Hoddesdon.

A party wall award is a legally binding document that sets out the rights and obligations of the parties involved in the construction work. But what happens if you want to modify the award after it has been made? Can it be done? In this article, we will discuss whether a party wall award can be amended in the UK.

Can a Party Wall Award be Amended?

The short answer is yes, a party wall award can be amended. However, the process of amending a party wall award is not straightforward and depends on the circumstances of each case.

Modifying a party wall award can only be done in certain circumstances. These include:

If the award contains an error or omission.
If the circumstances of the work have changed since the award was made.
If the parties agree to modify the award.

The first circumstance is self-explanatory. If the award contains a mistake or is incomplete, it can be corrected or completed by the surveyors who made the award.

The second circumstance refers to situations where the work in Hoddesdon has not yet commenced, but the circumstances have changed since the award was made. For example, if the scope of the work has increased, the award may need to be modified to take into account the additional work.

The third circumstance is where the parties agree to modify the award. This could be for a variety of reasons, such as a change in the design of the work, or a change in the cost of the work.

How to Modify a Party Wall Award

If you need to modify a party wall award, the first step is to discuss the matter with the other party or parties involved. If they agree to the modification, you can then appoint the same surveyors who made the original award to make the modifications. The surveyors will need to make a further award, which will need to be agreed upon and served on the parties involved.

If the other party or parties do not agree to the modification, you will need to apply to the county court for a modification order. This can be a time-consuming and costly process, and it is recommended that you try to reach an agreement with the other parties before resorting to court action.

Advantages of Modifying a Party Wall Award

Modifying a party wall award can have several advantages, including:

Avoiding disputes between the parties.
Ensuring that the work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensuring that the award accurately reflects the work to be carried out.
Minimizing the risk of legal action being taken against you.

Conclusion

A party wall award can be amended in certain circumstances, such as when there is an error or omission in the award, or when the circumstances of the work have changed. If you need to modify a party wall award, it is recommended that you try to reach an agreement with the other parties involved in Hoddesdon. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may need to apply to the county court for a modification order. To ensure that the modification is carried out correctly and efficiently, it is recommended that you appoint the same surveyors in Hoddesdon who made the original award.