This is part of our 60 second read series of articles!
A Party Wall Surveyor specialises in resolving disputes under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which governs building works affecting shared or adjoining structures.
Their main role is to ensure the Act is followed, enabling construction while protecting the legal rights of neighbouring property owners.
Typical services include serving Party Wall Notices, preparing Schedules of Condition, and agreeing Party Wall Awards.
You’ll need a surveyor if your work involves:
- Alterations to shared (party) walls or floors
- Excavation within 6 metres of a neighbouring structure
- Building new walls on or near boundary lines
When a Party Wall Notice is served, the neighbour can:
- Consent – allowing the work to proceed without surveyor involvement
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
- Dissent and agree to a single joint surveyor
If there’s dissent, surveyors review drawings, risks, and site conditions. They conduct a Schedule of Condition to record the neighbour’s property’s state before work begins.
A legally binding Party Wall Award is then issued, setting terms for construction, working hours, access, and protections.
After construction, the surveyor inspects for damage and ensures repairs or compensation if needed.
If you want to speak with a Party Wall Surveyor, get in touch with us now. You can also or obtain an instant fixed cost quotation.
