Would a builder start an extension knowing a party wall agreement isn’t in place?
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.07 PM
My neighbour is getting an extension and served us a party wall notice. We are not content with the notice and therefore appointed a surveyor to deal with our disputes. However, the neighbours have refused to hire a surveyor (either jointly or separately) and plan to continue with the works without a party wall agreement.
My question is, would a reputable builder start works knowing a party wall agreement isn’t in place? Surely a party wall agreement is in their best interests as well as it covers them if there is future damage (and proving whether it was them or not).
Grateful for any advice.
Thanks
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
In my experience I wouldn’t even get involved with the job if there was a dispute with neighbours.
Answered25 August 2023
1
Anonymous user
Definitely NO any good builder would not start work until all the matters are resolved or at least a party wall surveyor acceptable to both parties has been appointed and an agreed programme of works has been set out and agreed upon. To simply say it's the client / neighbours problem is bad practice and un-professional.
A reputable company would not start work if there is not a party wall agreement in place. Before works start on site the party wall award needs to be sent to the Contractor/Builder so that they are aware of any special conditions they would need to adhere to and to see if party wall is actually in place. This usually is mentioned within a JCT contract before signing.
In reality it is up to the client to cover all there bases, the builder is there to complete a job, I have done jobs in the past were the client informed me everything was. kosha only to find out halfway through the kh hadn't even submitted a planning application yet not my fault if it has to all come back down that's just people in general.your best bet is take care of your side get all your ducks in a row take plenty of pictures before any work starts as evidence of the condition of everything incase you need it at later date. There is an old saying you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
Good luck Alex
