When embarking on building works that impact a shared wall, you’ll likely encounter the term Party Wall Award — but what does it really mean? Often confused with other terms like Party Wall Agreement or Party Wall Notice, these are distinct legal concepts. In this article, we’ll dive into what a Party Wall Award is, why it’s necessary, and how it helps resolve disputes between neighbours.
What Is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award (sometimes referred to as a Party Wall Agreement) is a legal document designed to resolve any disputes that may arise between neighbours when one property owner plans construction or alterations that affect a shared or party wall. This Award is drawn up by a party wall surveyor or a pair of surveyors acting on behalf of both the Building Owner (the person carrying out the work) and the Adjoining Owner (the neighbour whose property may be impacted).
The purpose of the Award is to establish clear guidelines for the project, ensuring the building works proceed smoothly and that both parties are protected from potential damage or disputes during and after construction.
What Does a Party Wall Award Include?
A typical Party Wall Award will contain the following key components:
- The Agreement/Notice: Specifies how and when the works will take place.
- Drawings: Structural and architectural drawings that relate specifically to the party wall works, ensuring that the project is understood clearly and has been approved.
- Other Details:
- Dates: When the Notices were served and when work will commence.
- Contact Info: Names and addresses of both the Building and Adjoining Owners, as per the land registry.
- Surveyor’s Details: The surveyor(s) involved in the process.
Additional Key Points in the Award
While the above are the main components, there are other important details that may be included in the Party Wall Award, such as:
- Working Hours: E.g., 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Insurance: Proof of the builder’s public liability insurance.
- Damage Resolution: Clarification on how to resolve any potential damage.
- Access Arrangements: Specifics on how the Building Owner will access the Adjoining Owner’s property.
- Surveyor Fees: Details about the Adjoining Owner’s surveyor’s fees.
- Contributions to Repairs: Costs related to repairing the party structure, if necessary.
- Security Arrangements: Including precautions to ensure safety during construction.
- Noise Restrictions: Consideration for minimising disruption to the adjoining property.
The Party Wall Award is typically drafted and then reviewed by both parties. Once both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner agree, the document is legally signed by the appointed surveyor(s). There’s also a 14-day window for either party to appeal to the County Court if something seems amiss — though in practice, this is rare as most issues are resolved during the drafting stage.
How Long Is a Party Wall Award Valid?
A Party Wall Award is typically valid for 12 months from the date it’s served. This means the Building Owner must start the approved party wall works within that timeframe. If the works aren’t begun within 12 months, the Award becomes void, and a new one must be drawn up.
If you’re unsure whether your upcoming building project requires a Party Wall Award or need help drafting one, our expert team is here to help. Contact us at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for professional advice and support throughout the process.
By ensuring all the right steps are taken, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your construction projects go smoothly with minimal conflict!