Planning a renovation or building project that might affect your neighbour’s property? Then a Party Wall Award may be essential before work begins. This guide outlines the key facts, legal duties, and common pitfalls—so you can get it right from day one.
✅ What Is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document prepared by one or more surveyors. It sets out the terms under which work that affects a shared or adjoining structure can take place. Whether you’re cutting into a shared wall, extending a property near a neighbour, or excavating close to another building, this agreement is often required by law.
⚖️ The Legal Framework
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 governs how disputes related to party walls, boundary walls, and nearby excavations are handled in England and Wales. The Act ensures that:
- Neighbours are properly notified
- Disputes are resolved fairly
- Structures are protected during building works
🛠️ When Is a Party Wall Award Required?
You’ll likely need a Party Wall Award if you are:
- Building on or near a boundary between properties
– E.g. building a new extension or garden wall - Working on an existing party wall or structure
– E.g. removing a chimney breast, cutting in beams, or making structural changes - Excavating within 3 to 6 metres of a neighbouring building
– Depending on depth and foundation type - Inserting a damp-proof course into a party wall
- Undertaking loft conversions that involve cutting into a shared wall
- Carrying out work on boundary walls made of brick or block (timber fences are excluded)
📝 The Process: How a Party Wall Award Is Made
- Serve Notice
The building owner must serve the correct party wall notice(s) to all affected neighbours, at least two months before work begins. - Wait for a Response
Adjoining owners have 14 days to reply. They may:- Consent
- Dissent and agree to one shared surveyor
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
- Surveyor(s) Prepare the Award
If there’s a dissent, the appointed surveyor(s) inspect the property, review plans, and create an Award setting out:- Scope of work
- Agreed working hours
- Protective measures
- Award Is Served
Once finalised and signed, the Party Wall Award is served to both parties. Work can then begin, as long as it follows the agreed terms.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underestimating the timeline
Begin the process at least 2–3 months before your planned start date. - Incorrectly served notices
Most self-served notices we see are invalid. It’s worth the small cost of professional support. - Lack of documentation
Without a Schedule of Condition, it’s hard to prove whether damage was pre-existing.
👷 Ready to Get Started?
A Party Wall Award protects you and your neighbours, avoids legal headaches, and keeps your project running smoothly.
📩 Email our friendly experts at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for advice or a free quote.
Let’s take the stress out of your next building project.