If you're going to be carrying out building work on a shared boundary with your neighbour then you may require a party wall agreement.
It is a legal document that lays out the responsibilities and rights for all parties to the construction process.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Regulations are property owners’ rights and duties in Cheltenham, and Faulkners Party wall Surveyors Cheltenham explain the law relating to party walls for property owners living in Cheltenham.
In the party wall act, one very important part of this act is the 'party wall award'.
In this article we will be looking at what the Party Wall Award actually is and more importantly, how it protects your legal rights as a property owner.
So what is a party wall award anyway?The Party Wall Award (Party Wall Agreement)Cheltenham-Property-PropagandaWell quite simply the party wall award is a legal agreement in place between two or more neighbours in cheltehnam that share a common boundary such as a party wall within Cheltenham.
It defines the rights and responsibilities of each owner when one wants to do work which may have an effect on the party wall.
The award also nominates a party wall surveyor to supervise the works in accordance with the Act.
This surveyor is there to produce what’s called a Schedule of Condition, which sets out the state of the party wall as it stands before any works take place.
There are a number of benefits to getting Party Wall Agreement completed and in place before you start work likely to impact on a party wall.
These include:
Protection: From a legal perspective the Party Wall Award offers protection to both parties in order to resolve disputes. Doing so clarifies what is to be expected during the works and reduces any potential legal dispute during or after the works.
Clear Guidelines: The award provides clear guidelines that the property owners must adhere to, thereby minimising any uncertainty and establishing the expectations of both parties. It can deter disputes before they ever get off the ground.
Minimised Risk of Damage: The Schedule of Condition survey serves to protect a landlord regarding claims for damage that could occur during the project. It is also an accurate account of the condition of the party wall prior to any works taking place which can be used if any damage has been caused during work.
Avoid Delays – A Party Wall Award can prevent delays to the works. The surveyor appointed makes sure the works comply with the Act thereby minimising any potential holdups by disputes or litigation.
The Party Wall Award is a crucial element of the party wall's law.
It is a way to protect property owners legally and delineate the rules, while minimizing liability in case of controversy, destruction, or delay.
Here at Faulkners, our expert surveyors in Cheltenham have years of experience when it comes to party wall issues and can offer professional advice on the Party Wall Award as well as its significance.
Get in touch with us today and find out what we can do to help protect your home, or business in Cheltenham.