Can anyone give me an idoit's guide to party wall agreements?

[Daffodilly]

We are a semi - considering extending our kitchen which currently has a shared wall with the neighbours. We will either extend out from that shared wall on our side of boundary or (if they agree) put the new wall on the boundary line so that they could do similar extension in the future if they want to (they've indicated they may).

Think I will need a party wall agreement either way? What I don't really understand it:

1. What this is?
2. Who does it?
3. At what stage of process we do it and how long it takes?

We are currently getting building quotes and will need to get a structural engineer involved shortly. Also need to apply for Certificate that proves the extension is lawful under permitted development (therefore need drawings done). Just very confused about what order to tackle it all in!

When we removed a chimney breast from our adjoining (ie party) wall I downloaded a Party Wall Agreement letter from the internet and popped it in to our next door neighbours, they signed it, returned it & I filed it away - end of story and certainly not worth the £££ I was quoted by a solicitor.
I'm afraid this was quite a few years ago & we've since sold the house so don't have it anymore but google party wall agreement template and you should find something.From memory it's a formal notification telling them what you plan on doing, when you will start work and asking if they have any objections. I would suggest you pop round first & explain what you will be sending them & asking nicely for them to sign & return it.

LCN

Just in middle of all this!

You need drawings in order to apply for Cert of Lawful Development. Architect and structural engineer ones, I think.

We also gave drawings to our neighbours along with Party Wall Agreement letters...you can download one, or contact a Party Wall Surveyor to do it all for you. Obviously the latter costs, but ours only charges about £50 for all that - his big fees come if the neighbours request a survey.

Have to go and pick dd up, but happy to answer any questions later!