Party Wall Awards

What is a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document that settles disputes between property owners regarding work on a shared wall or boundary. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party and typically includes details about construction, access, and potential compensation for any damage caused by the work. This agreement is important to ensure both parties adhere to legal requirements when carrying out construction or renovation work that could affect a shared wall or boundary.

Governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (in the UK, an award applies when building work, renovations, or alterations might impact a shared wall, boundary, or structure between two properties. This could include works such as building extensions, digging foundations, or structural changes that might affect the integrity of the shared wall or boundary.
The party wall agreement aims to protect the interests of both property owners involved. It typically involves a surveyor or surveyors who assess the proposed work, document its potential impact, and draft the party wall award. This document outlines the agreed-upon terms for the work, including access rights, the timeline for the construction, specifics about the work to be carried out, and measures for addressing any damage caused by the work.

The award is legally binding and provides a framework for resolving disputes that might arise during or after construction. It also usually includes details about the appointed surveyors’ roles and their responsibilities in case disagreements arise.

Ultimately, the Party Wall Award aims to ensure that the work can proceed while minimising any negative impact on both parties’ properties and providing a fair resolution for any disputes that may arise during or after construction.