Party Wall Award

UK Government Guidance

The gov.uk Guidance Note provides:

It is a legal document that sets out the works to be carried out and how they are to be carried out. The surveyor/s will decide who pays the costs in producing the award and for any necessary checking that the work has been carried out according to the award.

The surveyor (or surveyors) will settle the matter by making an “award” (also known as a “party wall award”). This is a document which:

• sets out the work that will be carried out
• says when and how the work is to be carried out (for example to limit continuous periods of time when excessively noisy work can be carried out)
• specifies any additional work required (for example necessary protection to prevent damage)
• often contains a record of the condition of the adjoining property before the work begins (so that any damage to the adjoining land or buildings can be properly attributed and made good)
• allows access for the surveyor(s) to inspect the works while they’re going on as may be necessary (to see that they are in accordance with the award)

It is a good idea to keep a copy of the award with your property deeds when the works are completed.

Contents

The gov.uk Guidance Note provides:

An Award is a legal document prepared by the surveyor(s) and basically has four parts.

1. The sections of the Act that are applicable and the names and addresses of all the parties concerned.
2. The description of the works to be undertaken.
3. The duties and rights of the two owners.
4. The conclusion with signatures and dates.

An Award should confine itself to the work relating to the Notices but may include matters arising out of or incidental to the dispute. For example if the Notice relates to section 6 of the Act which only relates to excavation work then such matters as the wall that is built upon the foundations are irrelevant.

It should not include matters relating to any easements, covenants or restrictions, personal matters between the parties or anything unrelated to the intended works.