A party wall agreement is an essential legal document that defines the rights and responsibilities of property owners when carrying out construction work on parties adjoining walls. These walls are commonly shared between two or more properties, and any work undertaken can affect the structural integrity of these walls.

If you`re planning to undertake construction work that could affect a party wall, you need to know the conditions of a party wall agreement. This article will look at the essential conditions of a party wall agreement that you must consider before starting any construction work.

The Party Wall Notice

Before commencing any work on the party wall, you need to serve a party wall notice to your adjoining property owner, informing them of your intentions. The notice should be detailed and must include your contact details, the type of work to be carried out, and the expected start date.

The adjoining property owner should respond within 14 days after receiving the notice. If they fail to do so, then they`re deemed to have dissented from the notice, and you`ll need to appoint a surveyor to prepare the party wall agreement.

The Party Wall Award

Once you agree on the party wall notice, a party wall award will be drafted and agreed upon by both parties. The award will cover details such as start and completion dates, working hours, and how the work will be carried out.

The agreement will also include details on how any damages to the party wall will be repaired, compensation, and any other relevant information.

Costs

The cost of the party wall agreement will vary depending on several factors. These include the size and complexity of the project, location, and the number of adjoining properties.

Generally, the cost of a party wall agreement is met by the person who requested it. However, in some cases, the parties may agree to share the costs.

Access

Before commencing any work on the party wall, you must have access to it. If the wall is within the boundary of your adjoining property owner, you must obtain written permission to access it.

In some cases, access may be denied or restricted. In such cases, you may need to appoint a surveyor to carry out the work on your behalf.

Conclusion

A party wall agreement is a crucial document that protects the rights and interests of property owners involved in construction work. It is essential to understand the conditions of a party wall agreement before starting any work on a party wall.

If you`re planning to undertake any work that could affect a party wall, it`s advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced party wall surveyor. They can help you draft and agree upon a party wall agreement that protects your interests and ensures that your construction work conforms to legal requirements.