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.
As an adjoining owner in Folkestone, you have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to party wall agreements. These agreements are essential for any building work that affects a shared wall between two properties in Folkestone. But what happens when things go wrong?
In this article, we’ll explore what you can do if you’ve agreed to work on a party wall, but it’s not going as planned. Independent chartered surveyors covering Kent, Maidstone, Canterbury, London, Ashford, Dover, Whitstable, Surrey, Faversham and rest of the South East.
As members of the royal institution of chartered surveyors we have over 40 years experience for building survey to give you peace of mind.
Before we get into what to do when things go wrong, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as an adjoining owner in Folkestone. These rights and responsibilities are outlined in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As an adjoining owner, you have the right to:
Receive written notice from the building owner (the person carrying out the work) informing you of their intentions
Agree to the proposed work or disagree and appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf
Inspect the work being carried out to ensure that it is being done correctly and does not cause damage to your property
Seek compensation if your property is damaged as a result of the work
If you have agreed to the work, you also have the responsibility to:
Allow the building owner access to your property to carry out the work
Ensure that your property is adequately protected during the work
Agree to any additional work that may be required as a result of the original work
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
If you’ve agreed to the work but things are not going as planned, you have a few options. The first step is to try and resolve the issue informally with the building owner in Folkestone. In many cases, a simple conversation can resolve the problem. If that doesn’t work, you may need to appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf.
If you appointed a surveyor at the beginning of the process, they can help to resolve any disputes that arise. They can also help to ensure that the work is being carried out correctly and that your property is adequately protected. If you didn’t appoint a surveyor, you may need to do so now.
Another option is to seek legal advice. If the dispute cannot be resolved informally or with the help of a surveyor, you may need to take legal action. This can be costly, so it’s essential to explore all other options before going down this route.
Preventing Disputes in the First Place
Of course, the best way to deal with disputes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. That’s why it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as an adjoining owner and to communicate with the building owner throughout the process.
If you have any concerns about the work being carried out, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s much easier to resolve issues before they become problems. And if you’re unsure about anything, contact a surveyor or seek legal advice.
Party wall agreements can be complicated, but they are essential for any building work that affects shared walls. As an adjoining owner, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities and to communicate with the building owner throughout the process. If you’ve agreed to the work, but things are not going as planned, try to resolve the issue informally or with the help of a surveyor in Folkestone. And if all else fails, seek legal advice. By taking the right steps, you can prevent disputes and ensure that the work is carried out correctly and without causing damage.
Party wall agreements
Local party wall surveyor
Party wall notice
Party wall disputes
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