How long does a party wall survey take?
The duration of a party wall survey typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks for straightforward cases with mutual agreement, but can extend to several months if disputes or complexities arise. The process involves serving notices, waiting for responses, and drafting the Party Wall Award. Delays can occur if separate surveyors are appointed or if additional inspections are needed.
How Long Does a Party Wall Survey Take? Timelines and Factors to Consider
How Long Does a Party Wall Survey Take? Timelines and Factors to Consider
The length of time a party wall survey takes can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the level of agreement between the involved parties. For a straightforward case where both property owners agree to the proposed work and appoint an “agreed surveyor,” the process can typically be completed in about 2 to 4 weeks.
This includes the time needed to serve the Party Wall Notice, allow for the 14-day response period, and draft the Party Wall Award. However, if both parties appoint separate surveyors or if there are disputes over the work, the process can take significantly longer, potentially extending to several months.
In more complicated cases, such as when the work involves major structural changes or when damage has already occurred, additional inspections, reports, and negotiations may be required. These factors can further extend the timeline.
Once the surveyor(s) have completed their assessment, the Party Wall Award will be issued, outlining the terms of the work and any necessary protections. To keep the process efficient, it’s crucial for both parties to maintain open communication and cooperate with the surveyors involved.
Director
Laurence Murrin BA (Hons) MRICS MFPWS
Director
Laurence Murrin BA (Hons) MRICS MFPWS
Director
Chris Belton BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Chris Belton BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Dan Griggs BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Dan Griggs BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Joe Bennett BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Joe Bennett BSc (Hons) MRICS
You are undertaking building works
- Check whether the Party Wall etc Act 1996 applies to your project
- Talk to your neighbours early, before serving Notice about your work. Keeping your Adjoining Owners (neighbours) informed
- Make sure your Notice is served properly, or else it will be invalid
- Serve Notice with plenty of time
- Don’t be tempted to start work until you have an agreement / Party Wall Award in place.
Received a Party Wall Notice? - We can help
- Most Adjoining Owners worry that their property will be damaged by the building works.
- Our role is to try and ensure that this does not happen by looking in detail at the proposals and designs and arranging proper working methods.
- Adjoining Owners are entitled to have their surveyor’s reasonable fees paid by the Building Owner.
- The fees must be both reasonable and justifiable.
Benefits of Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor
Engaging with a Party Wall Surveyor allows you to:
- Prevent delays getting agreements in place
- Receive expert advice
- Prevent legal disputes
- Record the condition of neighbours’ property prior to the works – preventing claims for damage
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