Many people wonder when it’s necessary to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor. This article explains the key points clearly to help understand when their involvement is required.
First, it’s important to understand what the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is. This legislation, effective since July 1, 1997, was introduced to manage common issues that can arise during construction affecting shared boundaries and walls between properties.
The Act has three main goals:
- Preventing disputes: Establishing clear steps for notifying and consulting adjoining owners to avoid conflicts.
- Resolving disputes: Providing a legal framework to deal with disagreements during construction.
- Protecting property: Making sure the structural safety and stability of neighbouring buildings are preserved throughout the work.
These goals help clarify the role of a Party Wall Surveyor and when their services are necessary.
A Party Wall Surveyor becomes necessary when construction work involves what the Act calls “notifiable works.” These include building new walls on boundary lines, making alterations to existing party walls, or carrying out excavations close to neighbouring properties. Sections 1, 2, and 6 of the Act set out these works and require that adjoining owners are served notice within specific time limits to comply with the law and avoid disputes.
Often, building owners draft and serve these notices themselves. But if the adjoining owner objects or dissents to the proposed work, then appointing a Party Wall Surveyor is required. The surveyor helps prepare the correct documentation and protects the interests of all parties involved.
In summary, involving a Party Wall Surveyor early in your construction project is highly recommended. Their expertise ensures that the right notices are served correctly and on time, helping to prevent disputes and assess risks to neighbouring properties.
Additionally, if disagreements arise, having a surveyor on board can simplify resolving them, avoiding costly delays or legal problems. Their involvement supports good project management, compliance with the law, and positive neighbourly relations — all essential for smooth construction progress.