Anyone know about party wall act?

[fufulina]

Hello, we need to repair some flashing on our roof, which will involve removing the coping stones from the parapet wall (a party wall). Do we need a party wall surveyor? I have too the neighbours what we are planning, but they 'want time to think about it', while the leak continues to cause damage in the house... Any advice gratefully received.

If it were me, (and this is based solely on my opinion and an agreement I signed recently) I would have a chat with a solicitor and get them to draw up a party wall agreement stating you will pay all the costs involved and you will return everything back to how it is now following the work done on your property and that you may need access to their bit of the property but only while the work is being carried out. Send a copy to your neighbour to sign (stand on the doorstep with it and hand it to them personally so you know they have definately got it) and once signed get the work done before any further damage is done to your house.

Thanks very much, I'm amazed that's necessary. We don't need to go on their property to do the work at all. Do all roof repairs need party wall agreements? Bugger. Extra cash we don't have!

Mine was because the neighbour wanted to make a party wall in the back garden part of her new conservatory which is a bit different I guess.

It hasnt changed the wall at all from my side but I had to agree to her doing work on our shared wall and because she was doing the work she had to agree that she would pay for any damage caused to my property.

They didnt come onto my property at all, its more of an indemnity that if something does happen its in writing that they are responsible for the repair cost.

She paid £60 for her agreement but she said that she could have just written her own and asked me to sign it and get it witnessed and then placed it with the deeds with her solicitor.

Thank you. V helpful.

If you are removing/cutting away/cutting into the party wall, you'll need to serve your neighbour with a party structure notice. An alternative is to speak to the neighbour, letting them know what you intend to do and that you will pay for any damage caused (if any). If the neighbour is happy with this, you could put in place a written agreement where you both sign and each party retains a copy. This will save you a great deal of money for minor work!
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