How we keep it simple at Simple Survey
Most people only discover the Party Wall etc. Act when they’re already deep into a project. The builder’s ready, the structural engineer’s drawings are in… and then someone says: “You’ll need party wall notices.”
At Simple Survey, we exist to make that moment feel straightforward — clear steps, clear paperwork, and clear pricing — so you can stay focused on your build.
When you might need a party wall surveyor
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in England and Wales and sets out when you need to notify neighbours and (if needed) agree a formal process for protecting both properties.
In plain English, the Act is usually triggered by one of three categories of work:
- Building on or near the boundary line (a “line of junction” situation).
- Working directly on a party wall / party structure (for example, cutting into it or altering it).
- Excavating close to a neighbour’s building — particularly the 3m rule, and in some cases the 6m / 45° rule.
In real-life home projects, this often comes up with things like:
- rear/side extensions close to the boundary (new foundations)
- loft conversions where steels bear into the party wall
- chimney breast / stack alterations
- basements, underpinning, or more substantial structural work
If you’ve been served a party wall notice
If your neighbour serves you a notice, the Act sets timeframes and routes to keep things moving. Broadly, you can consent, or you can dissent (which triggers the surveyor procedure and leads to an award). The government’s explanatory guidance notes that where there’s no written consent within 14 days for certain notices, the dispute procedure can apply.
Our role (when acting for either owner) is to keep it calm, compliant, and properly recorded — so everyone knows where they stand.
What we do as party wall surveyors
At Simple Survey, our service is built around the practical outcomes you actually need:
- Draft and serve Party Wall Notices that are accurate, valid, and tailored to your works
- Manage neighbour responses and keep the process on track
- Produce a clear Party Wall Award where required (the document that sets out the rules, protections, and working methods)
- Stay available through the build, so small issues don’t become big disputes
Where we break the mould
Party wall work shouldn’t feel like a blank cheque.
We’ve designed Simple Survey to do the opposite: standardise what can be standardised, communicate clearly, and keep fees proportionate. That’s how we’re able to offer genuinely low-cost pricing for routine party wall admin — while still doing the job properly.
If you’re planning works and you’re unsure whether the Act applies, we’ll point you in the right direction quickly — and if it does apply, we’ll help you get the notices and (if needed) the award sorted with minimum fuss.