Party Wall Surveyors Oldham: What You Need to Know About Party Wall Agreements

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Planning building work along a shared boundary in Oldham? Then before you start knocking down walls or digging near your neighbour’s extension, there’s something you need to consider: a party wall agreement. Speaking with an experienced Party wall Surveyor in Oldham can save you more than just paperwork headaches it can protect your entire project from costly delays.

It’s not just a stack of paperwork it’s a legal safeguard. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both you and your neighbour when construction is set to impact a shared structure or boundary. It exists to keep things civil, structured, and most importantly legal.

Do You Really Need a Party Wall Agreement in Oldham?

Short version: if your project touches a shared wall, the answer is likely yes.

Long version? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is the legislation you need to know. It sets out a formal process to notify, consult, and agree with your neighbours before any significant works begin. This isn’t red tape for red tape’s sake it’s about preventing disputes, protecting properties, and ensuring a fair process from blueprint to bricks.

What Does the Party Wall Act Cover?

Quite a bit, actually. Here are some common scenarios that usually require an agreement:

  • Altering or demolishing a wall you share with your neighbour

  • Building a new wall directly on the boundary line

  • Excavating within three or six metres of a neighbouring structure, depending on depth

Sound familiar? Then you're in Party Wall territory.

So... Why Go Through the Hassle?

Good question. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip it:

  • Avoid neighbour disputes: A friendly "heads-up" is great. A legally required notice? Even better. Serving notice formally can prevent small misunderstandings from spiralling into full-blown arguments.

  • Protect your own home: If your neighbour’s works go sideways and your kitchen floor starts sloping like a skateboard ramp, a party wall agreement gives you legal recourse.

  • Stay compliant: Failing to follow the Party Wall Act could land you in hot water potentially delaying your project or even pulling you into costly legal action.

Just ask Elaine from Hollinwood. She thought underpinning her cellar without notice would be a quick job. Two months later, she was on first-name terms with a solicitor and had three surveyors in her garden. Don’t be Elaine.

How Faulkners Surveyors Oldham Can Help

At Faulkners Oldham, we guide property owners homeowners, landlords, developers through the Party Wall process with clarity and care. We’ll help you understand if the Act applies, what steps you need to take, and how to do it right the first time. Back to Homepage

Our surveyors don’t just quote regulations they translate them into action plans that work in the real world.

So, if you’re planning construction near a shared wall or boundary in Oldham, don’t guess. Talk to Faulkners. We’ll help you build with confidence and keep neighbourly relations intact.

FAULKNER SURVEYORS

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