A Party Wall Agreement (technically called an “award”) is the document produced by the two party wall surveyors (or the “agreed surveyor”) acting for the respective owners.
It will usually consist of three parts:
- The award itself i.e. a set of guidelines governing how the proposed works should progress incorporating and specifics to the building works and the neighbouring property
- A “schedule of condition” of the adjoining property, this report is often supported by a set of photographs along with information on current defects or lack of them
- Drawing(s) showing the details of the proposed works, so all are informed as to what works are to take place and where,
The award will normally be based upon a draft document, as per the Party Wall etc Act 1996, this is then amended according to the details of the specific work. It should clearly state details of the two properties, their legal owners and their owners’ addresses. It should also contain full details of the two surveyors (or agreed surveyor) and the “Third Surveyor” (if an “agreed surveyor” is used there will be no Third Surveyor).
Other items covered include:
- Brief details of the proposed works
- Working hours; normally 8am to 5.30pm weekdays only of residential work
- Assurances regarding the contractor’s public liability insurance
- Indemnities by the building owner in favour of the adjoining owner
- Access arrangement for the surveyors
- A time limit for commencement of the works, usually 12 months
The adjoining owner’s surveyor’s fee
Once the award has been agreed between the two surveyors it is signed and “published” with copies sent to the building owner and adjoining owner. Although there is a 14 day right of appeal if either owner believes the award to have been improperly drawn up the award this is seldom observed.
An additional copy of the award is given to the building owner to be passed on to their contractor.
The adjoining owner of course once a Correct and proper notice has been served upon them can consent to the works or consent to the works subject to a Schedule of Condition be carried out, if they do then this ends the PartyWall Process and forms the simplest way of achieving a Party Wall Agreement”
We can assist with the creating and serving of the correct Notices so Why not call us today for some free advice and review of your project, it can often be the quickest and least costly way of achieving the important and correct documentation you require to get your project underway.be quicker and