Faulkners Surveyors Glasgow

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.

What to Do When Building Work on a Shared Wall Goes Wrong: A Guide for Adjoining Owners

As an adjoining owner in Glasgow, you have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to building work on a shared wall in Glasgow. You may have already responded to the notice and agreed to the work, but what happens when things start to go wrong? In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the steps you can take to protect your property and resolve disputes.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Before we explore what to do when things go wrong, let’s recap your rights and responsibilities as an adjoining owner. According to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you have the right to:

Receive written notice from the building owner informing you of their proposed work
Agree to the proposed work or dissent and appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf
Inspect the work being carried out to ensure that it’s done correctly and doesn’t cause damage to your property
Seek compensation if your property is damaged as a result of the work

If you’ve 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

Despite your best efforts, building work on a shared wall can sometimes go wrong. If this happens, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your property and prevent further damage. Here’s what to do:

Communicate with the Building Owner

The first step is to communicate with the building owner and try to resolve the issue informally. You may be able to work out a solution together that avoids the need for legal action.

Get Professional Help

If the issue can’t be resolved informally, you may need to appoint a surveyor to act on your behalf. A surveyor can help to resolve disputes and ensure that the work is carried out correctly.

Seek Legal Advice

If all else fails, you may need to seek legal advice. This can be costly, so it’s important to explore all other options first. Your solicitor can advise you on your legal rights and help you take the appropriate action.

Preventing Disputes in the First Place

Of course, it’s always best to prevent disputes from happening in the first place. Here are some steps you can take:

Understand your rights and responsibilities as an adjoining owner
Communicate with the building owner throughout the process
Inspect the work being carried out to ensure that it’s done correctly and doesn’t cause damage to your property
Seek professional help if you have any concerns

Conclusion

Building work on a shared wall can be a complicated process, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. As an adjoining owner, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities and take action quickly if there’s a problem. By communicating with the building owner in Glasgow, seeking professional help, and seeking legal advice if necessary, you can protect your property and resolve disputes in Glasgow. And by taking preventative measures, you can avoid disputes altogether.