A party wall agreement is required when an individual is planning renovation works on their property that may affect adjoining properties. As part of the Party Wall Act, Party Wall Agreements are designed to reduce disagreements and ensure structural alterations are carried out effectively for both parties, to prevent the risk of structural movement, cracking or even a collapse of the existing adjoining properties. We provide a brief guide to Party Wall Agreements, highlighting just some of the primary reasons why you may need one.
Building Foundations
If excavation work intended for your building foundations is within a 3m distance of the adjoining property, you will need to negotiate a party wall agreement with the owner of the neighbouring property. This is also true if your new excavated trench is now deeper than the existing foundations, which is fairly common in most extensions, particularly those where another storey is added to the existing property.
Loft Conversions
If you are converting your loft into a bedroom or living space, notably in the event of an extension, a party wall agreement may be necessary. In the event you are required to install a new structural beam within the existing party wall, this must be negotiated and agreed upon with the owner of the neighbouring property.
Building An Extension
As suggested, if you are planning on building an extension, or even a new wall that is adjoined to, or in close proximity of the party wall or your garden boundary wall, then a formal party wall agreement is more than likely required.
Adding A Basement
If you’re planning on adding or extending a basement to your existing property, a party wall agreement may be required. This is due to the fact you’ll likely have to dig deep into the property’s foundations, underpin the party wall, or potentially even cutting into the party wall itself to install structural beams.
Removing A Chimney Stack
Oftentimes your property’s chimney stack will be shared with an adjoining property, and in the event that this is shared with your neighbour, you will require a party wall agreement if any works are required. In fact, it’s important to remember that any masonry you cut away from your chimney stack will form part of the party wall, so reaching an agreement prior is essential.
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