Contractors are brilliant at building. But when it comes to statutory duties under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, they’re not the decision-maker—the law is.
If you’re planning a loft conversion, rear extension, chimney removal, steel beams into a shared wall, or excavations within 3–6m of a neighbour’s structure, there’s a decent chance your works are notifiable. Getting this wrong can mean injunctions, delays and unexpected costs right when your build is mobilised.
Here’s the smart, low-friction way to settle it before you commence work.
Why you should have a Party Wall surveyor check the plans
A qualified Party Wall surveyor blends statutory know-how with building pathology. In one quick review, we’ll:
- Confirm whether your works are notifiable (Sections 1, 2 or 6 of the Act).
- Explain why—in plain English—referencing the drawings and site specifics (e.g., steel into the party wall, underpinning, depth of proposed footings vs. neighbour’s foundations).
- Map your route (who to notify, when, and with what supporting info).
If the Act does apply, you proceed with certainty and a proper timetable.
If it doesn’t, you’ll have a written note from an RICS surveyor to show a concerned neighbour—often enough to defuse nerves and avoid unnecessary disputes.
“But my builder says it’s fine…”
Builders commonly conflate planning permission and building control with the Party Wall Act. They’re separate regimes. You can have planning consent and still must serve Party Wall notices —or have no planning in place and still be required to serve them.
Well-meaning advice like “we’re only chasing out a bit” can be risky if, in reality, you’re cutting into the party wall for steels or excavating deeper than your neighbour’s foundations. If a neighbour seeks an injunction after you start, you could be paying to stop, protect, and re-sequence the site—plus legal costs.
The win–win of a quick pre-check
- Avoid mid-build surprises: Know now if notices and an Award will be required.
- Neighbour relations: A short, friendly explanation backed by a surveyor’s note heads off conflict.
- Programme certainty: If notices are needed, we start immediately so your contractor’s timeline stays realistic.
What happens if your works are notifiable?
- We prepare and serve the correct notices on each Adjoining Owner.
- Your neighbour has 14 days to consent or dissent.
- If they consent, you may proceed in line with the Act. If they dissent, surveyor(s) are appointed and a Party Wall Award is agreed to regulate timing and manner of works, access, protection measures and damage resolution.
Either way, you’ve complied with statute and reduced the risk of costly stoppages.
And if your works are not notifiable?
We’ll confirm in writing. Keep that on file. If a neighbour later asks, “Where’s my notice?”, you can share our confirmation and keep things cordial and on track.
Simple Survey’s clear answers & low fees
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee (depends on complexity and number of notices/owners).
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side (we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained).
We keep it lean, fast and compliant—so you don’t “break the bank” just to stay on the right side of the Act.
Bottom line
Your contractor may be right—but if they’re wrong, you carry the legal and financial risk. A swift plan check by an RICS Party Wall surveyor gives you certainty either way:
- If notifiable: we serve notices correctly and get the process moving.
- If not notifiable: you get a written confirmation to reassure neighbours and keep the build smooth.
Get a same-day plan check
Email your drawings to team@simplesurvey.co.uk with your address and proposed start date. We’ll tell you exactly what applies—and what it’ll cost—before you commit.