When Are Party Wall Surveys Required?
Party Wall surveys are required when construction impacts a shared wall or boundary between properties. They help resolve disputes, protect both parties’ interests, and ensure compliance with the Party Wall Act before work begins.
When Are Party Wall Surveys Necessary? Key Situations You Should Know
Party Wall surveys are required when construction or renovation work is planned that affects a shared wall, boundary, or structure between two properties. Under the Party Wall Act 1996, if a building owner intends to carry out work such as extending a wall, altering its structure, or digging near a neighbour’s foundation, they must notify the adjoining property owner. If the neighbour objects or does not respond to the notice, a party wall surveyor must be appointed to carry out a survey and mediate the situation.
This survey ensures that both parties’ interests are protected and that any disputes are resolved fairly before the work begins
A Party Wall survey is also necessary when significant structural changes are made that could potentially impact the stability of a neighbouring property, such as underpinning, basement extensions, or demolitions near a boundary. In cases where both property owners agree, a single surveyor may be appointed.
However, if there are disagreements, each owner can appoint their own surveyor, and the surveyors will collaborate to produce a Party Wall Award that outlines the scope of work and how any potential damage will be addressed. The survey acts as an official record of the property’s condition and ensures that the work proceeds without unnecessary conflict.
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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