Party Wall Agreements in West London are commonplace as most residential properties share at least one or two walls with their neighbours. There are also other “flying” party wall agreements that are sometimes needed before construction can even begin. The party wall agreement is between the property owners concerned, usually drawn up by Party Wall Consultants or specialist Party Wall Surveyors. Having renovated over 150 residential properties in West London, Buro Architects are accomplished and highly skilled liaising with all concerned parties and adopt planning and design strategies to ensure renovation projects progress on schedule. We also regularly work with expert Party Wall professionals and routinely appoint and manage these party wall consultants on your behalf. All fees are passed on at cost. As we often work with party wall professionals including party wall surveyors, their fees are usually more competitive if you appoint them through Buro Architects and we know particular individuals familiar with your type of property.
Party Wall Agreements usually consist of three elements:
1. The award or agreement itself i.e. a set of guidelines outlining how proposed works will progress
2. A “schedule of condition” of the adjoining property, which is usually supported with photographs
3. Detailed design drawings of the proposed works
The award is usually based on fairly standard RICS document, which is updated to reflect the specific elements of your project. The agreements outline details of the affected properties, their owners and the owners’ addresses as well as those party wall consultants engaged and a Third Surveyor. (if an “agreed surveyor” is used there will be no Third Surveyor).
Party Wall agreements include the following:
~ details of the proposed renovation works
~ working hours; (normally 8am to 5.30pm on weekdays) for residential projects
~ Details of the contractor’s public liability insurance
~ Indemnities by the property owner in favour of the adjoining owner
~ Access arrangements for the architects, party wall consultants and surveyors
~ A deadline to start the renovation works (usually 12 months)
~ The adjoining owner’s surveyor’s fee
Once the agreement between the two parties is made it is “published”. Although it’s big news for your property, this will not make the newspapers. “Published” simply means that a signed and witnessed copy of the agreement is sent to the affected owners. An additional copy of the Party Wall Agreement is given to the building owner and passed on to their main building contractor who will need this for their own compliance considerations.
There is a a 2 week period for a right of appeal if either property owner believes the award has been improperly drawn up. In reality, this is seldom observed. This is just one example of the considerations Buro Architects take responsibility for during your renovation project. If you have a refurbishment project in mind, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Planning a renovation project where you need a Party Wall Agreement? Get in touch.
[si-contact-form form=’1′]
