Party Wall in Winchester

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.

Everything You Need to Know About Party Wall Agreements

If you and your neighbour in Winchester share a wall or boundary, you may be pondering if a Party Wall Agreement is necessary for the construction work you have planned. What are Party Wall Agreements, when are they needed, and how can I get one? All of these questions and more will be answered in this piece.

What is a Party Wall Agreement?

If you and your neighbour in Winchester share a wall, border, or structure, you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement to protect your rights and establish clear expectations for the construction project. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 mandates this in order to establish guidelines for settling disagreements between residents during construction.

When is a Party Wall Agreement Required?

A Party Wall Agreement is required when 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 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 meters of your neighbour’s property, depending on the depth of excavation.

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

Why is a Party Wall Agreement Important?

A Party Wall Agreement is important as it protects both your property and your neighbour’s property in Winchester from potential damage during the building work. It also sets out the legal rights and responsibilities of both parties, and provides a framework for resolving any disputes that may arise. Some additional advantages of obtaining a Party Wall Agreement include:

Ensuring that the building work is carried out safely and according to regulations.
Avoiding disputes and costly legal proceedings with your neighbour.
Providing a legal framework for resolving any disputes that may arise during or after the building work.

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 are planning to carry out building work that affects a shared wall or boundary with your neighbour, then you may need a Party Wall Agreement. This legal document protects both your property and your neighbour’s property from potential damage and provides a framework for resolving any disputes that may arise. Contact Faulkners Surveyors in Winchester for expert advice and guidance on Party Wall procedures and obtaining a Party Wall Agreement.