Articles

Who Is a Party Wall Surveyor? A party wall surveyor is a specialist professional appointed to manage disputes and oversee compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Responsibilities Assessing the proposed works Serving or advising on Party Wall Notices Preparing...

Why Access Is Needed During party wall works, surveyors or builders may require access to adjoining properties to carry out inspections or necessary construction tasks. Legal Basis for Access The Party Wall Act grants limited rights to access neighbours’ properties...

What Happens If Neighbours Don’t Respond? Under the Party Wall Act, if the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days of receiving a Party Wall Notice, this is legally treated as dissent. Implications of Dissent Dissent triggers the need to appoint one or more...

What Is a Schedule of Condition? A Schedule of Condition is a detailed record of the state of a neighbour’s property (and sometimes your own) before construction work begins. Why It’s Important It provides evidence of any existing damage, helping to avoid disputes...

Overview of Applicability The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to certain types of building work that may affect walls, boundaries, or structures shared with neighbours. Knowing when the Act applies is essential to comply and avoid disputes. Common Scenarios Covered...

Factors Affecting Cost Surveyor fees vary depending on project complexity, location, and whether one or two surveyors are appointed. More complex works require detailed reports and multiple site visits, increasing costs. Typical Fee Ranges For simple projects, costs...

Initial Inspection Purpose A party wall surveyor will visit both your property and your neighbour’s before any work begins to assess the condition of the shared wall or boundary structures. Documenting the Condition This inspection results in a Schedule of Condition...

Qualifications to Look For Not all surveyors are qualified to act under the Party Wall Act. Look for professionals who are members of recognised bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Experience Matters Experience is key. Surveyors who...

The Legal Requirement Serving a Party Wall Notice is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 whenever you plan to carry out construction works affecting shared walls, boundaries, or structures adjacent to a neighbour’s...

Why Early Communication Matters Starting a conversation with neighbours before formally serving a Party Wall Notice can make a significant difference. It prevents surprises and gives neighbours time to understand and prepare for the upcoming works. Building Trust and...

Understanding Party Wall Disputes Disputes commonly arise from neighbours objecting to proposed works, concerns about damage, or disagreement on procedures. Initial Steps to Manage Disputes Attempt open dialogue to clarify concerns Consult party wall surveyors for...

New Build Projects and Party Walls Building a new structure on or near a boundary line often involves party wall considerations. Serving Notices for New Boundary Walls If your new build includes constructing a wall on the boundary, you must serve a Party Wall Notice...

When Renovations Trigger the Party Wall Act Even renovation projects can affect party walls or neighbouring structures. Examples include: Removing or altering walls shared with neighbours Installing new beams or supports on party walls Changing floor or ceiling...

What Is a Party Wall Award? A Party Wall Award is a legal document that governs how building work affecting a party wall or boundary should proceed. Types of Party Wall Awards Simple Award: For straightforward works where neighbours consent or minor disputes occur....

What Is an Agreed Surveyor? An agreed surveyor is a single party wall surveyor jointly appointed by both the building owner and the adjoining owner to resolve party wall matters. When Is an Agreed Surveyor Used? If the neighbours do not object to the work but still...

Who Is Liable for Damage? The building owner carrying out the works is generally liable for any damage caused to adjoining properties during construction. Protecting Against Liability Following the Party Wall Act procedures, including serving notices and obtaining...

Common Causes of Delays Delays can occur due to neighbours not responding to notices, disputes requiring surveyor involvement, or unexpected construction challenges. Importance of Serving Notices Early Serving Party Wall Notices well ahead of planned start dates helps...

What Is a Schedule of Condition? A Schedule of Condition is a detailed report documenting the current state of adjoining properties before construction work begins. It often includes photographs and written descriptions. Why Is It Important? This report provides...

Start Early with Open Communication Inform neighbours about your plans before serving formal notices. Honest and respectful communication builds trust and reduces misunderstandings. Provide Clear and Detailed Information Explain the scope, timing, and potential impact...

Who Is a Party Wall Surveyor? A party wall surveyor is a qualified professional appointed to manage disputes and oversee works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Their role is impartial, acting fairly between building owners and neighbours. Key Responsibilities...

Why Effective Communication Helps Open and respectful communication with neighbours reduces the likelihood of disputes related to party wall work and fosters goodwill. Discussing Plans Before Serving Notice Before serving formal Party Wall Notices, talk to neighbours...

Why Excavations Near Boundaries Matter Excavations near neighbouring buildings carry risks such as subsidence or structural damage. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 regulates excavation work within specific distances and depths to protect adjoining properties. When a...

Overview of Party Wall Surveying Costs Costs associated with party wall surveying vary depending on the complexity of the project, the type of work proposed, and whether disputes arise. Understanding the potential fees helps property owners budget accordingly. Who...

What Is a Party Wall Award? A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document prepared when there’s disagreement or concern about works affecting a party wall or boundary. It sets out how the work will proceed and protects the interests of all parties. Role of the...

Understanding When a Notice Is Needed A Party Wall Notice is a legal requirement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It must be served before starting certain building works that affect shared walls or boundaries. Knowing when this notice is necessary is essential to...

Neighbour’s Right to Object When a Party Wall Notice is served, neighbours have the legal right to object to the proposed works within 14 days. This triggers a formal dispute process under the Act. Appointment of Party Wall Surveyors If objections arise, one or more...

What Is a Party Wall Notice? A Party Wall Notice is a formal written notification served to adjoining owners when planned work affects a party wall, boundary, or shared structure. It is the first legal step under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. When Must You Serve a...

Situations Covered by the Act The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in specific circumstances involving work on shared walls or near neighbours’ property. Common scenarios include: Building a new wall on the boundary line between two properties Altering, repairing, or...

Defining a Party Wall A party wall is a wall or structure that physically stands on the boundary line between two neighbouring properties and is shared by both owners. It plays an important role in separating properties and supporting structures. Common Examples of...

What Is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is legislation designed to prevent and resolve disputes related to building work affecting shared walls and boundaries between properties. It provides a clear legal framework for neighbours to follow...