Overview
A good party wall award should be clear, fair and specific to the works being carried out.
It should protect the adjoining owner, their property and any occupiers, without placing unnecessary or excessive burdens on the building owner. The aim is not to make the project difficult. The aim is to allow the works to proceed properly, with sensible protections in place.
The key elements of a good party wall award are set out below.
1. A clear description of the works
The award should describe the proposed works in simple terms. Excessive detail is not usually needed, particularly where drawings are attached.
The drawings should be sufficient to help the parties understand the key works. They should not be overloaded with unnecessary technical information or calculations unless those details are genuinely relevant to the party wall issues.
2. Sensible protection measures
The award should include measures to protect the adjoining property while the works are carried out. Those measures should be practical and relevant, not overly prescriptive.
Depending on the project, the award may deal with matters such as scaffolding, temporary support, hoarding, protection to roofs and floors, weathering and making good.
3. Practical access arrangements
Where access is required, the award should explain what access is allowed, what is to be protected and what precautions must be taken.
It should also address security and privacy for adjoining occupiers. Access should be for a sensible and limited period, rather than left open-ended.
4. Working hours
It is usually best for an award to reflect local rules on working hours, noise and nuisance. These rules are familiar and easier to enforce.
Special requirements can be accommodated where reasonable, but they should not prevent sensible progress of the works.
5. A clear dispute resolution process
The award should explain how issues arising from the works will be dealt with. Ideally, it should include a simple dispute resolution protocol so that damage, access concerns or practical disagreements can be addressed quickly and proportionately.
Summary
A good party wall award protects the adjoining owner, gives the building owner a clear route forward and reduces the chance of further disputes. It should be practical, easy to understand and focused on the real risks created by the notifiable work.