When can work start once the agreement is signed?

Two conditions

1. The award has been served on both owners.
2. The notice period has ended: one month or two months from service of the notice, depending on the type.

Where the award is served after the notice period has already run, work can start once the award is served.

The 14-day appeal window

Either owner can appeal an award within 14 days of service. Starting work during that window is not prohibited, but if an appeal succeeds, parts of the award could change. On higher-risk jobs, many owners prefer to wait out the 14 days.

Work not covered by the award

Work that does not affect the neighbour, such as internal fitting-out on your side, is not controlled by the award, although planning and building regulations still apply.

Telling your builder

• Send them a copy of the award and drawings
• Point out the working hours, access and protection requirements
• Make sure they know whom to call if something goes wrong next door