Have works started on site and you’ve noticed damage? Don’t panic. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a clear procedure to identify the cause, agree the remedy and secure payment. Below is a practical, end-to-end workflow you can follow today.
1) Alert the Party Wall Surveyor(s) immediately
Email the Agreed Surveyor (single-surveyor route) or both surveyors (two-surveyor route) as soon as you spot an issue. Keep it factual: address, dates, the location of damage, and which works were happening nearby. Early notification helps contain risk and evidences reasonableness.
2) Record the damage thoroughly
Capture time-stamped evidence:
- Wide shots to show context, then close-ups (front-on and angled)
- Short videos (slow pan, stable light)
- A note of when you first observed the defect and if it is changing (e.g., cracking growing).
3) Causation: have the surveyor(s) confirm it relates to the party wall works
The surveyor(s) assess whether the damage is attributable to the notifiable works (e.g., cutting into the party wall, adjacent excavation). This will involve professional judgment using drawings, method statements and sequencing. If the defect is unrelated, it will be recorded as such; if related, the Act’s protections engage.
4) Decide your preferred remedy route
You usually have two practical options:
- Make good by the Building Owner’s contractor (often quickest if they are still on site).
- Cash settlement for you to use your own contractor (gives you control over specification and timing).
Tell the surveyor(s) which route you prefer so they can shape the next steps accordingly.
5) If using your own contractor, obtain quotes
Seek two/three like-for-like quotations setting out:
- Scope and method of repair
- Access/scaffolding assumptions
- Making-good of finishes (e.g., redecorations)
- Programme and any protection measures
Attach these to your damage claim—well-scoped quotes speed agreement.
6) Provide the quotes for settlement
Send the quotes to the Building Owner with the surveyor(s) copied. Ask for written confirmation to settle by a target date. Keep all correspondence polite and on-record.
7) If the Building Owner disputes or doesn’t engage
No need to escalate informally—the Act provides the mechanism. The surveyor(s) will determine liability and quantum. They may request adjusted quotes, or specialist input (e.g., for structural or decorative matching).
8) The Damage Award
If agreement isn’t reached informally, the surveyor(s) will issue a further Party Wall Award (often called a Damage Award). It will typically:
- Confirm causation and responsibility
- Specify the method (make good vs. cash)
- Fix the sum payable (including VAT where applicable)
- Set timescales and any conditions (e.g., access, protection, working hours)
- Address reasonable surveyor fees arising from the damage process
This Award is binding unless appealed within the statutory window.
9) Enforcement if payment isn’t made
If the Building Owner doesn’t pay, the Award can be enforced through the courts as a debt. Because the Award is a statutory instrument, enforcement is usually straightforward once due process has been followed. Your surveyor can guide you on the appropriate track and documentation.
10) Don’t panic—damage happens
Construction carries vibration and movement risks. A good party wall surveyor will guide you calmly through evidence, causation, cost and remedy so you are made whole—without unnecessary drama or delay.
Pro tips to keep things smooth
- Report early, report clearly. Short, structured emails beat long narratives.
- Keep living areas protected. If dust or water ingress is possible, ask the surveyor(s) to secure temporary protections under the Award.
- Stay practical. If the contractor can sensibly make good now, that often minimises disruption.
- Be realistic on finishes. “Like-for-like” means matching quality and appearance, not upgrading beyond the pre-works condition unless agreed.
Simple Survey – transparent, fixed fees (nationwide)
- 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 & 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)
Why choose Simple Survey
- Fixed fees you can budget for
- Nationwide coverage
- Experienced & qualified (RICS) building surveyors
- Clear, impartial administration focused on fast, fair outcomes
Talk to a senior surveyor today
Email your address, drawings (if available) and a brief description of the damage to team@simplesurvey.co.uk with the subject “Party Wall – Damage Support”.
We’ll confirm the immediate steps, evidence we need, and provide a fixed-fee plan to get your damage claim resolved—properly and promptly.
Simple Survey — calm heads, clear process, fair outcomes.