Once you’ve confirmed your works are notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the next step is making sure you serve valid Party Wall Notices on every Adjoining Owner.
Using Templates: A Good Start—If Done Properly
The UK Government provides example Party Wall Notice forms. Adapting these is perfectly acceptable, provided the notice:
- Identifies the correct parties and addresses,
- Accurately describes the notifiable works (with drawings where helpful),
- States the relevant sections of the Act, and
- Gives the statutory lead-in (typically 2 months for party structure works; 1 month for line-of-junction and adjacent excavation).
Two Distinct Roles for a Party Wall Surveyor
1) Agency role (pre-dispute, client-adviser)
Here, the surveyor acts as your agent—not under the Act. Typical tasks:
- Reviewing your proposals for notifiability,
- Preparing and serving compliant notices,
- Advising on programme (14-day reply, 10-day s10(4) letter, etc.),
- Suggesting risk-reduction measures (e.g., pre-works photos, neighbour briefings).
2) Statutory role (once a dispute arises)
If an Adjoining Owner dissents or doesn’t reply within 14 days, a dispute arises under Section 10. From this point, the surveyor acts independently under the Act (not on client instruction) to:
- Review drawings, method statements, temporary works, access needs, and safeguards,
- Make a Party Wall Award setting out how and when works proceed, protections, and the process for damage/remedy/compensation.
In the statutory role, the surveyor’s duty is to the Act—they must be impartial, whether appointed by one or both owners.
Agreed Surveyor vs Separate Surveyors
- Agreed Surveyor: One impartial surveyor acts for both owners—often faster and cheaper where trust is high and the scheme is straightforward.
- Separate Surveyors: Each party appoints their own; the two name a Third Surveyor to determine any points they can’t agree. Helpful on complex or sensitive projects.
Why Involve a Surveyor Early (Even Before Notices)?
- Accuracy: Correct notices prevent delays and re-service.
- Clarity: Better descriptions and drawings reduce knee-jerk dissents.
- Readiness: If a dispute arises, you’ve already engaged someone who knows the scheme and can progress the Award efficiently.
- Neighbour relations: A professional, courteous process keeps communication constructive.
Can Owners Proceed Without Surveyors?
Yes—if the Adjoining Owner consents in writing.
Want your notices drafted correctly the first time?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk—Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales. We’ll review your plans, draft and serve compliant Notices, and, if needed, act impartially to produce robust Party Wall Awards that protect both properties and keep your programme on track.