Bristol City Council Party Wall Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you`re planning on doing any sort of construction work that involves a shared or adjoining wall with your neighbors, you`ll need to consider a party wall agreement. This is a legally binding document that outlines how the wall will be used during the construction work, and who is responsible for any damage that may occur.
In Bristol, the city council is responsible for overseeing party wall agreements. Here`s what you need to know if you`re planning on starting a construction project in the city.
Who Needs a Party Wall Agreement?
If you`re planning on doing any of the following types of construction work, you`ll need a party wall agreement:
– Building a new wall that connects two properties
– Cutting into an existing shared wall
– Demolishing and rebuilding a shared wall
– Building a new wall on the boundary of two properties
What Is Involved in a Party Wall Agreement?
A party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines how the wall will be used during the construction work. It will typically include the following:
– The names and addresses of the property owners involved
– The details of the proposed construction work
– The start and end dates of the work
– A schedule of condition of the wall, to record any existing damage
– Details of any additional work that may need to be carried out, such as scaffolding or shoring up the wall
– The insurance requirements for the work
– Details of the surveyors appointed to oversee the agreement
How Do You Obtain a Party Wall Agreement?
If you`re the building owner who needs the party wall agreement, you`ll need to serve notice on your neighbor at least two months before you plan to start work. You can either do this yourself or ask a surveyor to do it on your behalf.
Once the notice has been served, your neighbor will have 14 days to respond. If they agree to the proposed work, you can then move forward with the party wall agreement. If they don`t agree, a surveyor will need to be appointed to oversee the agreement.
It`s important to note that if you start work without a party wall agreement in place, you could face legal action from your neighbor. It`s always better to get the agreement sorted before any work begins.
Final Thoughts
If you`re planning on carrying out construction work that involves a party wall in Bristol, it`s important to ensure that you have a party wall agreement in place. This will help to ensure that the work goes smoothly, and that both you and your neighbor are protected.
If you`re unsure about the process or what is involved, it`s always a good idea to speak to a surveyor or legal professional who can guide you through the process. With a little bit of knowledge and planning, your construction project can proceed with minimal issues.