What to Look for in a Party Wall Award

A Party Wall Award should be comprehensive, clear, and fair to both parties involved. It ought to address all relevant aspects of the proposed works and their potential impact on the adjoining property. The purpose is to ensure that the adjoining owner, their property, and any occupants are appropriately protected, while avoiding undue or excessive burden on the building owner.
​​
Here are the key elements you should expect it to include:

Description of Works
The Award should outline the scope and nature of the proposed works in clear and accessible terms. While excessive detail is unnecessary—particularly where drawings are appended—it is important that the description captures the essential components of the project.
Ideally, the Award will:

• Provide a concise but informative summary of the works
• Include drawings that are detailed enough to communicate the nature and extent of the works
• Avoid excessive documentation or overly technical data such as engineering calculations, unless specifically relevant

Protective Measures
Effective Party Wall Awards specify reasonable and proportionate protection measures to safeguard the adjoining property during the works. These should be neither too vague nor unnecessarily restrictive.
Common protection provisions include:

• Details regarding scaffolding and temporary supports
• Hoarding or barriers where relevant
• Provisions related to the protection of structural elements such as roofs and floors

These measures should demonstrate a balanced approach to risk mitigation.

Access Arrangements
Where access to the adjoining owner’s land or property is required, the Award should clearly define:

• What needs protecting and the relevant principles to be applied
• Requirements to preserve the privacy and security of adjoining occupants
• A defined and reasonable time limit for access

Such arrangements should be practical and based on the specific context of the project.

Working Hours
It is generally advisable for the Award to conform to local authority regulations regarding noise and permissible working hours. These are typically well-established and enforceable, offering a baseline of predictability.
At the same time, the Award may:

• Address specific needs or constraints affecting either party
• Ensure that the building works can progress without unreasonable delay

Dispute Resolution
A strong Award includes a clear procedure for resolving any disputes that may arise during or after the course of the works. Ideally, it contains or references a dispute resolution protocol, outlining:

• Steps to be taken in the event of disagreement
• The role of the appointed surveyors
• Mechanisms for addressing claims, especially those relating to damage or non-compliance

Clarity in this section is critical to preventing unnecessary escalation.

Conclusion
​A well-drafted Party Wall Award functions as a balanced and enforceable framework that protects both parties while facilitating the proposed works. When all the above elements are addressed with appropriate clarity and proportionality, the Award serves its intended purpose—minimising disputes and supporting a smooth construction process.
When reviewing a Party Wall Award, the presence and quality of these components offer a reliable indicator of its effectiveness and fairness.

---

​Need help with a Party Wall Act issue? Contact Us for expert, no-obligation advice.

---