Faulkners Surveyors Walsall

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.

Party Wall Procedures: Everything You Need to Know

If you are planning to carry out building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour in Walsall, then you need to follow the party wall procedures. This is a legal requirement in the UK under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. In this article, we will explain what party wall procedures are, what they entail and why you should follow them.

What are Party Wall Procedures?

Party wall procedures are a set of legal requirements that you must follow when carrying out building work that affects a shared wall, boundary or structure with your neighbour in Walsall. These procedures are designed to ensure that the rights of both parties are protected and that the building work is carried out without causing unnecessary damage or disruption to your neighbour’s property.

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve notice to your neighbour if you intend to carry out any of the following types of work:

Building a new wall at the boundary between your property and your neighbour’s property.
Cutting into a party wall to insert a beam.
Raising the height of an existing party wall.
Digging below the foundation level of your neighbour’s property.
Excavating within 3-6 metres of your neighbour’s property, depending on the depth of excavation.

Once you have served notice, your neighbour has the right to appoint a party wall surveyor to act on their behalf. The surveyor will review the proposed building work and assess any potential risks or damage that could occur as a result of the work. They will then make a party wall award, which is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Advantages of Following Party Wall Procedures:

Protects your property and your neighbour’s property from potential damage.
Avoids disputes and costly legal proceedings with your neighbour.
Ensures that the building work is carried out safely and according to regulations.
Provides a legal framework for resolving any disputes that may arise during or after the building work in Walsall.

How to Serve Notice:

You must serve notice to your neighbour at least two months before the proposed start date of the building work in Walsall. The notice must include the following information:

Your name and address.
The address of the property where the building work is taking place.
A description of the proposed building work.
The proposed start date of the building work.
A statement outlining your neighbour’s rights under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Conclusion:

Party wall procedures are an essential part of any building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour. By following these procedures, you can protect your property, avoid disputes with your neighbour, and ensure that the building work is carried out safely and according to regulations. If you are planning any building work that affects a shared wall or boundary, contact Faulkners Surveyors for advice and assistance on party wall procedures.