A party wall is a wall that separates two different properties or rooms within the same property, and is shared by both sides. To identify if a wall is a party wall, you should first check the title deeds of the property if available, as the party walls would normally be mentioned in the documents.
You can also check with the local government or housing department to verify if the wall is a party wall and seek any additional advice if necessary. Other signs that a wall might be a party wall include if it stands on the boundary line between two properties, if it has equal foundations on both sides, is of equal thickness and shares a common chimney stack.
It is important to determine if a wall is a party wall for a number of reasons, including disputes over costs of upgrades or repairs that may involve both property owners. If in doubt, it is best to consult a qualified and experienced professional to assess the wall and identify if it is a party wall.
What is considered a common wall?
A common wall is a wall shared by two dwellings or other structures. Common walls are often found in buildings that have adjoining apartments or connected offices. The dividing wall is a shared space, meaning it is the responsibility of both owners’ to maintain and, if necessary, take an action in case of any damage.
Common walls are usually built of either wood, stucco, metal or concrete. Depending on the construction of the walls, there may be additional materials like insulation and soundboard installed to improve noise insulation.
Generally, the common wall must be structurally sound and remain in its original state.
Why do they call it a party wall?
A ‘party wall’ is an interior wall shared by two adjacent properties, usually located between two houses in a residential area. The term is more often used in the United Kingdom and Ireland than in other parts of the world.
In England and Wales, a ‘Party Wall Act’ was passed in 1996 that sets out a standard method of dealing with any work that may affect a party wall.
The origins of the term go back to medieval England, when common walls between adjacent tenements or dwellings indicated that the parties had some sort of sharing arrangement. The shared wall was often used as a means of creating reasonable access for both parties, dividing up common resources, but also to commemorate the connection between them.
As time went on, the term became firmly associated with a shared wall between neighbouring properties, and the current use of the term refers to just this.
In summary, a party wall is an interior wall that connects two adjacent properties and has its origins originating in medieval England. Its use is often governed by the Party Wall Act of 1996.
Is a garden wall a party wall?
No, a garden wall is not typically considered a party wall. A party wall is a wall that is shared between two properties and typically runs along the boundary between two properties or on the line of junction between them, such as a semi-detached or terrace of houses.
Garden walls are not considered party walls as they typically sit within the confines of a single property, even if they are on the boundary between two properties. Garden walls can be made of brick, concrete, stone or even timber, or a combination of these materials, and are usually intended to enhance the overall look and feel of the garden, dividing up the space and adding a bit of character.
Are party walls soundproof?
No, party walls are generally not soundproof. Party walls serve as a physical and legal division between two separate properties and traditionally consist of a single layer of brick or a brick and block work.
Because of this, party walls are not designed to prevent sound from passing through and will usually not be effective at soundproofing the area between two properties. Furthermore, complex construction methods, heavy duty materials, and special techniques are usually required to effectively soundproof an area.
Therefore, it is not recommended to rely on a party wall for soundproofing, unless the wall has been specifically designed for the purpose. It is better to use other soundproofing solutions, such as acoustical panels, flexible acoustic seals, double-glazed windows, and carpets or rugs.
How does a party wall agreement work?
A party wall agreement is an agreement between two or more property owners to work together in order to make alterations or repairs to a shared wall. The agreement is commonly used when building works, such as an extension or refurbishment, involve any joint walls or shared foundations.
Typically, the person undertaking the works (the ‘building owner’) must serve a written ‘party wall notice’ on the adjacent owners to alert them that works are about to commence. The notice must be served at least two months before the start of the works.
At this stage, the parties will either come to a consensus on the proposed works, or they may appoint an ‘Agreed Surveyor(s)’ to act as a mediator or assessor of the proposed works. An Agreed Surveyor can offer impartial advice to both parties, negotiate an agreement and act as a referee if there are any disputes.
Both parties will usually sign a ‘Party Wall Award’ document which details the agreed plans for the works. This document will also include any other agreement such as shared responsibility for repairs, access rights and the equally vital issue of compensation for damages, should one of the parties decide to make a claim.
In addition to the Award document, the parties should also enter into a separate ‘Schedule of Condition’ where photographs are usually taken of the property before the works take place. This is a valuable document for both parties, as it can provide photographic evidence of the condition of the property before the works began and will be useful in any dispute or claim for compensation.
Having the proper paperwork in place is essential if any dispute arises and without it the dispute can be very difficult and costly to resolve. A party wall agreement therefore provides an effective way of ensuring both parties understand their respective rights and obligations, and is also provides documentation to back up any claims which may arise in the future.
What is the difference between a party wall and a common wall?
A party wall is a wall that is shared between two separate dwellings, meaning two property owners each have a side of it. It is specifically designed to help avoid conflict between adjoining owners. Generally, a party wall is usually found in areas where there are multiple dwellings in close proximity, such as apartment buildings.
The exact definition of a party wall may vary, but generally includes any wall that divides the adjoining units, commonly between dwellings.
A common wall, on the other hand, is a wall or partition that separates one room from another, and generally belong to the same owner. A common wall can be permanent, such as a brick wall, or simply a suspended one like drywall.
The exact regulations that determine a common wall can also vary, depending on the jurisdiction.
The main difference between a party wall and a common wall is that a party wall separates two different properties that belong to two different owners, while a common wall separates two different rooms that belong to the same owner.
Do I need a party wall agreement to sell my house?
No, it is not necessary to have a party wall agreement to sell your house. However, a party wall agreement can be immensely helpful in providing legal protection for you and your neighbor(s) in cases of disputes.
A party wall agreement is a legally-binding document that outlines the responsibilities of both parties in a property division situation and can provide a solution to any issues that may arise when selling (or buying) a property with shared walls.
If your house is more than two stories tall, or has been constructed in a way that features exposed party walls with adjoining properties, it’s a good idea to obtain a party wall agreement with the neighbor(s).
The agreement should include details such as any proposed construction work on the property, who is being held responsible for what work, and how the cost of the work must be apportioned between the two parties.
A party wall agreement can offer a degree of protection in the event of any legal disputes arising, so it may be a sensible consideration for both you and the potential buyer.
How do you build a common wall?
Building a common wall requires thorough preparation, as well as the appropriate materials and tools. Here are the steps to build a common wall:
1. Measure and plan – Measure the wall space that you need to build and draw up a plan. This will help ensure that the wall is straight and plumb.
2. Gather materials and tools – You will need common wall material such as drywall sheets, plywood, furring strips and paneling. You may also want to use insulation and weatherproofing. Also, make sure to have an assortment of tools handy such as a level, hammer, saw, drill, caulking gun and a tape measure.
3. Prepare the wall – Begin by attaching the furring strips to the wall, evenly spacing them and making sure they are level. Make sure to use heavy-duty screws to affix the furring strips.
4. Nail the drywall – Cut the drywall to the size of the wall and affix it with construction adhesive and drywall screws. Use the leveler to make sure the drywall is plumb and the corners are square.
5. Add insulation – If desired, you can add insulation between the furring strips and the drywall. This will help keep the wall more energy-efficient.
6. Attach plywood and paneling – Use nails (for plywood) or screws (for paneling) to attach the plywood or paneling to the drywall. Make sure to use a drill or hammer to make sure the nails are secure.
7. Seal and caulk – To keep the wall looking nice and finished, use caulk to seal all edges and seams.
Building a common wall can be a complex process, but following these steps will help ensure that the wall is structurally sound, energy-efficient and appealing.
Who owns the dividing wall?
The dividing wall is usually owned by the two parties that it is separating. In this case, it would depend on who they are and what the wall is dividing. For example, if it is a wall dividing two properties, then the two property owners would typically own the wall.
Similarly, if it is a wall between two countries, then the two countries would typically own the wall. Regardless of who owns the dividing wall, it is important that both sides take responsibility for its upkeep, as it is important for the protection of both parties and for their overall relationship.