When it comes to building or renovating a property, one of the key considerations is the Party Wall Act. This legislation is in place to protect the rights of both property owners and neighbours during construction work that involves shared walls or boundaries. A central part of the Party Wall Act is the requirement for a Party Wall Agreement, which is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. But do you need a surveyor to draw up this agreement?
The answer to this question is not a straightforward one. While it is not a legal requirement to have a surveyor in order to create a Party Wall Agreement, it is highly recommended. This is because the agreement is a legal document that will be used in court if any disputes arise, and it is essential that it is comprehensive, accurate and impartial. If it is not, you could find yourself in a difficult legal situation that could be both costly and time-consuming.
A Party Wall Agreement can be created in two ways: by using a standard party wall agreement template, or by hiring a surveyor to draw up a bespoke agreement based on the specific requirements of your property. While using a template may seem like a quick and easy option, it is important to remember that every property is unique, and there may be specific issues that need to be addressed in the agreement. A surveyor will be able to provide expert advice and ensure that the agreement is tailored to your property`s unique situation.
A surveyor can also help to mediate any disputes that may arise between you and your neighbours during the construction process. This can help to prevent any disagreements from escalating into more serious legal disputes, which can be both costly and time-consuming. By having a surveyor involved in the Party Wall Agreement process, you can ensure that everything is handled professionally and that potential issues are resolved quickly and fairly.
In summary, while it is not a legal requirement to have a surveyor involved in the creation of a Party Wall Agreement, it is highly recommended. By hiring a surveyor, you can ensure that the agreement is comprehensive, accurate and impartial, and that any potential disputes are handled professionally and quickly. Ultimately, this can help to save you time, money and stress in the long run.