The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 isn’t “red tape”—it’s the rulebook that lets you build safely, legally, and neighbourly. Treat it well and your project runs smoother, relationships stay intact, and costs stay predictable. Treat it lightly and you invite delays, disputes, injunction threats and spiralling fees. Here’s how to do it right from day one.
1) Don’t assume your neighbour will consent
It’s their home, their structure, their quiet enjoyment. Most adjoining owners want reasonable protections, clear information, and confidence that your works won’t cause damage or disruption beyond what’s necessary. A valid, well-explained Notice plus a calm conversation often turns anxiety into cooperation. Lead with courtesy, not assumptions.
2) DIY notices are tempting—professional service is safer
A Notice is a legal document. The Act sets strict rules on what you must include and how you must serve it. Common DIY mistakes (wrong owner, invalid service, missing excavation sections) make Notices unenforceable and can push your start date back weeks. A competent party wall surveyor drafts valid Notices, serves them correctly, records proof, and explains responses so you don’t lose momentum later.
3) Get a qualified surveyor on board
The Act’s definition of “surveyor” is broad—but your project deserves someone who is experienced, insured, and regulated. A good surveyor blends legal understanding with building-pathology know-how, identifies exactly what’s notifiable, engages your neighbour professionally, and (if there’s a dissent) produces a robust, proportionate Award. That’s how you avoid appeals, re-serving, and unnecessary cost.
4) Give adjoining owners real time to consider
Statutory lead-times exist for a reason. Serve Notices early, share drawings, outline realistic dates and noisy phases, and be available for questions. Rushing a response is the fastest way to trigger a knee-jerk dissent. Early, open communication—plus a credible surveyor—often wins a consent or an Agreed Surveyor route, saving you weeks and money.
5) See the Act as protection
Flip the script: if you were next door, wouldn’t you want legal structure, access rules, and a remedy if things go wrong? The Act gives exactly that—to both sides. It authorises necessary works, sets clear boundaries, and resolves disputes without court. Respecting it is the most “build-friendly” thing you can do.
What this looks like with Simple Survey
- 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)
What you get: valid Notices, correct service under Section 15, clear next steps for every response, neighbour engagement that builds trust, and proportionate Awards when needed—without drama or drift.
Ready to do this properly (and painlessly)?
Email your plans and site address to team@simplesurvey.co.uk. We’ll confirm what’s notifiable, serve valid Notices for £25 per ownership, and give you a fixed-fee path to consent or Award—so your build stays compliant, cooperative, and on schedule.