What are Party Walls?

February 13, 2024 | by Panjetani Buildwell | No comments

A party wall is a dividing wall that divides two independent regions or structures. They are commonly seen in condominiums, townhomes, apartments, and other residential or commercial properties. Residents or occupiers on either end of the party wall own half of the property and are liable for its upkeep and maintenance.

Party structures, sometimes known as firewalls or common walls, aren’t always elevated surfaces or walls in the traditional sense. Floors between independently occupied buildings, underlying barriers, or even partition walls in warehouses or shop sections in a mall are also included. Party walls can also be seen in attics and basements.

What are the functions of party walls?

Party walls are frequently used as foundations for both areas, especially in residential architecture. They are frequently load-bearing, holding the entire weight of the floor and successive walls built on top of them throughout the building’s height.

Both settings benefit from party walls as safety barriers. Most building codes demand that the wall have a fire rating of at least two hours, which means that a fire could burn in one room for some time without bursting through to the adjacent owners’ spaces. This is commonly accomplished with two layers of 5/8-inch plasterboard, but a conventional block or masonry wall can also suffice.

What exactly are party wall agreements?

Party wall agreements exist to ensure that everyone takes part equally because two parties normally own and maintain the same wall. These agreements lay out the ground rules and specifications for the shared wall’s ownership, maintenance, and responsibility. A typical party wall agreement will include the following:

Dispute Resolution: A party wall agreement is typically used to settle potential issues. They specify who is accountable for management as well as the possible consequences of permitting the wall to deteriorate. The agreement could also specify sound restrictions.

Repairs and Modifications: Party wall agreements may also include content governing how to manage possible changes and repairs. This could include acquiring legal permission from the nearby owner to proceed with a project. In that scenario, the party agreement may provide several days’ notice. The agreement (or a construction rule) may also specify how long the proposing party must wait for permission before starting any work.

Even if a party wall agreement fails to exist, many municipal construction rules require notification and approval before any alterations to a party wall of any kind can commence. If the adjacent owner chooses to oppose permission, the applicant party has the option of seeking formal arbitration.

The Benefits of Party Walls

While there are certain legal concerns with party walls, there are also some specific advantages.

Because both parties share the cost of wall maintenance, there are situations when splitting the cost of maintenance seems reasonable. If both parties are having an issue with water or noise, for example, the expenditures of the contractor and materials could be shared.
There is a practical architectural benefit in terms of space gained versus building footprint. Party walls can be divided down the center, which means that half of the thickness of the wall is in either space.

Disadvantages of Party Walls

When one of both parties wants to change the wall, they usually have to acquire the other party’s permission. This is a significant drawback because it adds dimension to the planning procedure, and if the opposite party dissents, it may result in costly arbitration.
Financial constraints may prevent one side from sharing the price of emergency repairs. When it comes to insurance, two distinct homeowners’ or company liability policies must operate together, increasing the time for approval and reimbursement.
Noise is frequently a problem with party walls. Even with thick insulation, occupants may be able to hear each other. Unpleasant noise and even odours are a possibility when kitchen cabinets or restrooms are near the party wall (especially when the walls are poorly kept).

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