Choosing to sidestep your legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can lead to expensive, stressful, and time-consuming consequences. You risk damaging neighbourly relationships and may find yourself liable not only for repairing damage but also for substantial legal costs.
The Power of the Right Team
There’s no substitute for an experienced builder — but combine that skill with a professionally engineered design, and you greatly increase your chances of a smooth, successful project.
More and more seasoned builders are now advising homeowners to factor in Party Wall obligations right from the start. This shift comes after too many have been caught between warring neighbours and dragged into disputes that could have been avoided.
A structural engineer will assess:
- Your proposed works
- The current condition of the property
- The materials and methods needed
They’ll then design a safe, effective solution — including additional safety measures to account for hidden or unusual building features.
How We Help Prevent Disaster
Our Party Wall Surveyors are not just legal experts — they’re highly knowledgeable in construction. We ensure that every Party Wall Award we negotiate includes the right level of design detail and safeguarding measures before any work begins.
While no one can guarantee zero damage, a properly prepared Award provides a clear legal route for resolving issues without resorting to expensive litigation.
If you’re starting building work — or suspect your neighbour is — make sure you’re protected. Contact our friendly Party Wall Consultants for free, impartial advice at team@simplesurvey.co.uk.