If you're planning any construction or renovation that could affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure, you are legally required to serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbours. While you can technically serve the notice yourself, hiring a qualified Party Wall Surveyor ensures that the process is carried out correctly and in compliance with the law. If there are disputes, a surveyor can also help mediate and resolve them.
A Party Wall Notice must be served before any work starts that affects a shared wall, boundary, or excavation near a neighbouring property. This includes work such as building extensions, loft conversions, or digging foundations near the boundary. The notice should be served at least two months before the planned start date of the work.
If your neighbour disagrees with the proposed work, they can raise objections. In this case, a Party Wall Surveyor will help mediate the dispute. If an agreement cannot be reached, the surveyor will issue a Party Wall Award, which is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the work and protects both parties’ interests.
A Party Wall Award is a formal, legally binding document issued by a Party Wall Surveyor. It sets out the details of the work to be carried out, any conditions to protect neighbouring properties, and how potential damage or disputes will be handled. It is designed to protect both property owners and ensure the work complies with the Party Wall Act.
The cost of Party Wall services can vary depending on the scope of the work and the complexity of the situation. Factors such as whether there are disputes with neighbours, the size of the project, and the need for additional surveys can all impact the cost. We offer transparent pricing and provide a free initial consultation to give you a better understanding of the potential costs involved.
A schedule of condition survey is an inspection of a neighbouring property before work begins to document its existing condition. This is done to prevent future disputes over any damage that might occur during construction. It’s a good idea to have a condition survey carried out, especially if your work involves excavation or structural changes close to the boundary.
The time required to complete the Party Wall process depends on the complexity of the project and whether any disputes arise with neighbours. Typically, the notice period is two months, and the Party Wall Award is issued shortly after that. However, if negotiations or disputes occur, the process may take longer.
No, you must wait until the Party Wall Notice process is completed and any necessary Party Wall Award is issued before starting any work that affects a shared wall or boundary. Proceeding without proper notice or agreement could lead to legal issues or disputes with your neighbours.
If your work only involves internal changes that don't affect the shared wall, boundary, or structure, you generally do not need to serve a Party Wall Notice. However, if the work involves altering a party wall or structure, even internally, you must serve the notice.
If the property next door is unoccupied or the boundary wall doesn't have a neighbouring owner, you may not need to serve a Party Wall Notice. However, this can depend on the specific circumstances and location, and we recommend consulting with a Party Wall Surveyor for further clarification.
If you're undertaking any construction, renovation, or excavation work near a boundary, shared wall, or structure, it’s likely that Party Wall services will be required. Our team can offer a free consultation to assess whether your project requires Party Wall Notices and Agreements.
While it's possible for neighbours to agree on a single surveyor, both parties must be satisfied with this arrangement. In cases where there is a dispute, it's often best to have independent surveyors for each party to ensure impartial advice and representation.
If your neighbour refuses to agree to the proposed work, we can assist in resolving the situation. This may involve mediation, or if needed, we can issue a Party Wall Award to ensure that the work can proceed legally.