Party wall issues usually stem from late communication, unclear expectations, or misunderstandings about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The tips below help both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners steer clear of avoidable friction and keep projects moving.
For Building Owners
1) Get the basics of the Act right
You don’t need to be a lawyer, but you should know:
- What’s notifiable (new walls at/over the boundary, works to party structures, nearby excavations).
- Minimum notice periods (often 1–2 months).
- That notices must be written, valid, and served on every Adjoining Owner.
Understanding this avoids invalid notices, late starts, and unnecessary disputes.
2) Talk early, talk clearly
A friendly conversation before serving notice lowers anxiety and prevents knee-jerk dissents. Share the broad scope (“loft steels,” “rear extension,” “basement underpinning”), timelines, and how you’ll control dust, noise, and access. If reasonable, be open to small design tweaks that reduce impact.
3) Serve proper, timely notices
Notices should:
- Identify the properties/owners,
- Reference the relevant section(s) of the Act,
- Describe the notifiable elements in plain English, and
- Include drawings/sections for excavations.
Serve well in advance of site start—rushing notices is the fastest way to create a dispute.
For Both Building & Adjoining Owners
4) Instruct a competent party wall surveyor
Choose on merit, qualifications, and reviews—not just price. A good surveyor will:
- Confirm what’s notifiable,
- Prepare a clear Party Wall Award (time & manner, access, safeguards, damage pathway), and
- Re-engage quickly if a new dispute (e.g., damage) arises.
Tip: For straightforward works and cooperative neighbours, an Agreed Surveyor can be faster and cheaper than two surveyors.
5) Keep communication live during construction
- Flag any changes to method or programme that could affect risk.
- Give sensible notice for access (Section 8).
- Log issues promptly and route damage through the surveyor(s) rather than arguing on site.
6) Reduce risk with practical safeguards
- Method statements for sensitive works (e.g., cutting in steels, temporary support, excavations).
- Protection to exposed party walls; dust/noise controls within permitted hours.
- Consider Security for Expenses on higher-risk schemes (e.g., basements) to reassure the neighbour and protect cashflow.
7) Document everything
- Dated photos (before and during),
- Access notices, site records, and correspondence,
- Variations that could affect the Award’s assumptions.
Good records speed up resolutions and keep everyone honest.
Bottom line
Most party wall disputes are avoidable. Early engagement, valid notices, and competent surveying turn the Act into what it was designed to be: a work-enabling framework that protects both sides.
Need help keeping things smooth (and compliant)?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk. Simple Survey are the lowest-cost party wall surveyors across England & Wales—we’ll draft and serve valid notices and issue a fair, clear Award that protects relationships and timelines.