Chartered Surveyors: The Importance of Party Wall Agreements
If you`re planning on building an extension or making any alterations to a shared wall with your neighbor, it`s important to be aware of party wall agreements. These agreements are designed to protect the interests of both parties involved in the construction process, and they can be a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and successful project.
But what exactly is a party wall agreement, and why is it important to work with a chartered surveyor when creating one?
In essence, a party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both you and your neighbor when it comes to the construction work. It`s typically used in situations where you`re planning on building something that will share a wall or boundary with your neighbor, and it`s designed to ensure that any work done is done in a way that doesn`t cause damage to either property.
Some examples of the types of work that might require a party wall agreement include:
– Building a new wall on the boundary line between your property and your neighbor`s property
– Making structural alterations to an existing shared wall
– Excavating within a certain distance of your neighbor`s property
– Building a new extension that adjoins your neighbor`s property
In order to create a party wall agreement, it`s important to work with a qualified and experienced chartered surveyor. This is someone who is trained to assess the construction work involved, and who can help you navigate the legal requirements of the process.
A chartered surveyor will typically begin by carrying out a survey of the properties involved, assessing the condition of the shared wall and determining whether any existing damage needs to be repaired before construction can begin. They`ll also work with you and your neighbor to create a clear and detailed plan for the work, outlining the steps you`ll take to ensure that both properties are protected.
Once the plan is in place, the chartered surveyor will draft the party wall agreement itself. This is a legally-binding document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, and that can be enforced if either party fails to meet their obligations. In essence, it`s a way of ensuring that both you and your neighbor are protected throughout the construction process.
Working with a chartered surveyor to create a party wall agreement might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. It not only ensures that your construction work is carried out in a way that protects your property and your neighbor`s property, but it also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you`ve got a legally-binding agreement in place.
So if you`re planning on building anything that will share a wall or boundary with your neighbor, make sure you work with a chartered surveyor to create a party wall agreement that protects both parties involved. It`s a small investment that can pay off big in the long run.