Faulkners Surveyors Sutton

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.

Understanding the Legal Framework of Building Work Before Finalizing Party Wall Award

If you are planning to carry out construction work on a property that shares a wall or boundary with an adjoining property in Sutton, then you may need to comply with the Party Wall Act. One of the most common questions related to the Party Wall Act is whether building work can start before the Party Wall Award is finalized. This article will explore the legal framework and requirements surrounding the Party Wall Act, and how Faulkners, located in Sutton, can help you comply with this legal framework.

What is a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award is a legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of both building owners and adjoining owners in Sutton. It is a crucial document to establish when carrying out construction work that affects a shared wall or boundary. The Party Wall Award is usually prepared by the appointed Party Wall Surveyors, and it outlines the scope of the work, the time frame for completion, and any remedial works that may be required.

Can Building Work Start Before the Party Wall Award is Finalized?

It is possible for building work to start before the Party Wall Award is finalized. However, this is subject to certain conditions and requirements under the Party Wall Act. These include:

Serving a Party Wall Notice

Before commencing any building work, the building owner must serve a Party Wall Notice to their adjoining owner. The notice must outline the scope of the work and the proposed start date. The adjoining owner then has 14 days to respond to the notice.

Agreeing on the Party Wall Award

In the event that the neighbouring owner does not react to the Party Wall Notice or disagrees with the proposed work, the building owner and adjoining owner must designate Party Wall Surveyors to draught a Party Wall Award. In the Party Wall Award, the Party Wall Surveyors will specify the rights and responsibilities of the building owner and adjoining owner in Sutton.

Providing Notice Period

Once the Party Wall Award is finalized, the building owner must provide notice to the adjoining owner of the start date for the construction work. The notice period must be at least two weeks before the start date of the work.

Advantages of Complying with the Party Wall Act

Complying with the Party Wall Act has several advantages, including:

Avoiding Disputes

Complying with the Party Wall Act can help avoid disputes and misunderstandings between the building owner and adjoining owner. This ensures a smooth construction process.

Protecting Your Interests

Complying with the Party Wall Act ensures that your interests are protected, and any potential damage to your property is addressed.

Complying with the Law

Complying with the Party Wall Act ensures that all parties involved comply with the law and any legal requirements, avoiding any potential legal issues in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to start building work before the Party Wall Award is finalized, but only under certain conditions and requirements. At Faulkners, located in Sutton, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors can assist you in complying with the legal process of the Party Wall Act, protecting your interests, and ensuring that all parties involved comply with the law. By complying with the Party Wall Act, you can avoid disputes, protect your interests, and ensure a smooth construction process in Sutton.