Party Wall Surveys
Building work next to a neighbour comes with legal steps under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We serve the notices, record the neighbouring property and agree the award, whichever side of the wall you are on.
How we approach party wall surveys.
The Act covers work to a shared wall, building a new wall on the boundary, and digging foundations within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbour's building, depending on the depth. Notice has to be served before work starts: one month for a new wall on the boundary or for excavations, two months for work to the party wall itself.
If the neighbour agrees in writing, no award is needed. If they dissent, or do not reply within 14 days, surveyors are appointed to agree a party wall award. It sets out how and when the work is done, and the condition of the neighbouring property is recorded before anything starts.
From first call to the paperwork.
Check
We look at your plans and tell you if the Act applies.
Notices
The right notices served on every neighbour affected.
Condition
The neighbouring property recorded before work starts.
Award
The award agreed: how the work is done and protected.
After
A follow up visit if anyone thinks damage was caused.
- 1Shared stack: notice before any work
- 2Roof line runs across both houses
Party walls in a terrace
- What you see
- A loft conversion, a chimney breast coming out or a new steel going into a shared wall.
- What it means
- Each line on the photo is a party wall. Cutting into one, raising it or taking out a shared chimney breast needs two months' notice under the Act.
- What we suggest
- Serve notice early, record the neighbour's side before work starts, and agree an award if they dissent.
Example mark-up on a stock photo.
Asked about party wall surveys.
Tell us what you have noticed.
A few lines and a photo or two is plenty. Sean will come back to you to talk it through.
Phone and email
Details to follow. Use the form for now.Covering
London, Essex, Kent and Norfolk