Faulkners Surveyors Whitley Bay

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.

Do I Need a Party Wall Agreement? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning on carrying out building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour in Whitley Bay, you might be wondering if you need a Party Wall Agreement. In this article, we will explain what a Party Wall Agreement is, when it is required, and why it is important.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

A Party Wall Agreement is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of both parties when building work affects a shared wall in Whitley Bay, boundary, or structure. It is a requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which outlines the legal obligations for building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour. The agreement helps to ensure that the building work is carried out without causing unnecessary damage or disruption to your neighbour’s property.

When is a Party Wall Agreement Required?

A Party Wall Agreement is required if you are planning to carry out any of the following types of work:

Building a new wall at the boundary between your property and your neighbor’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 neighbor’s property.
Excavating within 3-6 meters of your neighbor’s property, depending on the depth of excavation.

If your building work falls under any of these categories, you must serve notice to your neighbour in Whitley Bay and obtain a Party Wall Agreement.

Why is a Party Wall Agreement Important?

A Party Wall Agreement is important as it sets out the legal rights and responsibilities of both parties, and helps to avoid disputes and legal proceedings with your neighbour. If you don’t follow the Party Wall procedures and obtain a Party Wall Agreement, you could be liable for any damage caused to your neighbour’s property as a result of the building work in Whitley Bay. Some additional advantages of obtaining a Party Wall Agreement include:

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

How to Obtain a Party Wall Agreement?

To obtain a Party Wall Agreement, you need to follow the Party Wall procedures, which include serving notice to your neighbour and appointing a Party Wall surveyor. The surveyor will then review the proposed building work and make a Party Wall Award. Both parties must agree to the terms of the award before it becomes legally binding.

Conclusion:

If you’re planning on carrying out building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour in Whitley Bay, then it is likely that you will need a Party Wall Agreement. This legal document is designed to ensure that the building work is carried out safely and according to regulations, and protects both your property and your neighbour’s property from potential damage. Contact Faulkners Surveyors for expert advice and guidance on Party Wall procedures and obtaining a Party Wall Agreement.