A Party Wall Agreement is a legal binding document between yourself and your neighbour(s) in regards to your proposed building works.
It sets out how and when works can be carried out and who will be liable for payment.
A typical example of what an Award covers:
• Time of when works can commence
• Time of when works should terminate
• How many days per week that the works can take place
• A description of the proposed work(s)
• Clauses relating to the proposed works which aim at covering how the work(s) should be carried out
• Health and safety matters
• A schedule of condition (This is the survey carried out before your works commence). This records the condition of your neighbour’s property. With photos and a written report.
In most cases the cost of the Party Wall Agreement is paid by the person carrying out the works.
The Agreement (Party Wall Award) will cover the times that building works can commence and end per day. Usually the timing of works are governed by your local authority. Most councils will allow building works to commence from 8am and finish between 5pm-6pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. With no works allowed on a Sunday or Bank Holidays.
A Party Wall Agreement try’s control the relationship between neighbours. Its main purpose is to try and resolve any issue that may occur.