Party Wall Agreement Surrey
If you‘re planning to carry out building work on a property in Surrey that is a semi-detached or terraced house, then you‘ll likely need to agree on a party wall. A party wall agreement is a legal agreement between you and your neighbors, governing the shared wall between the two properties. If you‘re unsure about whether you need a party wall agreement, it‘s best to consult a professional surveyor or party wall specialist in Surrey.
What is a Party Wall Agreement?
A party wall agreement (PWA) is a legal agreement between the owners of two properties, who have building work planned that may affect the shared wall between them. The agreement covers the responsibilities and obligations of each owner concerning the shared wall. The agreement is a legal document that must be signed by both parties and kept safe for future reference.
When Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
You‘ll typically need a PWA if the building work you‘re carrying out includes one or more of the following:
- Building on or at the boundary between two properties
- Excavating or digging within a certain distance of the neighbor‘s property
- Making alterations to a party wall, including cutting into it or removing it.
It‘s important to note that even if your building work doesn‘t affect the party wall directly, you may still need to serve a notice to your neighbor if the work will cause noise or vibration.
How to Organize a Party Wall Agreement in Surrey
The party wall process can be complex, and it‘s best to hire a professional surveyor who can take care of everything for you. The surveyor will first determine whether a PWA is necessary, and if so, they‘ll draw up the agreement, which will include a schedule of condition.
The schedule of condition shows the state of the shared wall before building work commences. This is important because it ensures that any damage caused during the building work can be clearly identified and resolved. Both parties will need to agree to the schedule of condition before any work commences.
The surveyor will then serve a notice to your neighbor, informing them of the building work you plan to carry out and the need for a PWA. Your neighbor will then have 14 days to respond.
If your neighbor agrees to the PWA, they will need to sign it, and the building work can commence. If, however, your neighbor disagrees to the PWA, you‘ll need to appoint a party wall surveyor to resolve the dispute.
Conclusion
A party wall agreement is a legal requirement for building work that affects the shared wall between two properties. It‘s important to ensure that you have a PWA in place before you commence any building work; otherwise, you may be liable for legal action. Hiring a professional surveyor or party wall specialist in Surrey can help you navigate the complex party wall process and ensure that everything is in place for a smooth and successful building project.