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When You Might Need a Party Wall Surveyor
Wondering if your project requires a Party Wall Surveyor?
- Are you building on or near a boundary line?
- Are you excavating close to your neighbour’s property?
- Are you undertaking loft conversions or extensions affecting a shared wall?
- Are you modifying a shared structure, like a chimney or party wall?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, you’ll require a Party Wall Specialist.
Our party wall experts will guide you through the legal obligations under the Party Wall Act, ensuring full compliance and avoiding costly disputes.
Get Free ConsultationWhat is the Party Wall Act?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is essential legislation designed to prevent and resolve disputes related to party walls, boundary walls, and excavation near neighbouring buildings. It legally safeguards both property owners involved.
For more information, please read our party wall guide.
Our team will ensure compliance from start to finish, protecting your interests at every stage.
Get Free ConsultationWhy Choose K&A Chartered Surveyors for Party Wall Surveying?
At K&A Chartered Surveyors, our RICS Chartered Party Wall Surveyors offer professional expertise and peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Advice: Clear explanations tailored to your situation.
- RICS Regulation: Trusted, fully compliant surveying services.
- Efficient Dispute Resolution: Quick, effective management of neighbourly disputes.
- Detailed Reports: Thorough documentation with photographic evidence.
- Sustainable Practices: Fully digital and environmentally conscious operations.
We provide services across London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex, ensuring all your Party Wall surveying needs are expertly covered.
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FURTHER ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
- GOV.UK Party Wall Explanatory Booklet: The Party Wall etc Act 1996: explanatory booklet.
- Party Wall Legislation: Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- RICS Consumer Guide: RICS Party Wall etc Act 1996 Guide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Party Wall?
A Party Wall is a shared wall/s which run between the neighbouring properties.
What is a party structure?
A party structure is the shared structure located between flats, such as walls, floor and ceilings.
What do notifiable works mean?
Notifiable works are works which fall within the remit of the Party Wall etc Act 1996.
Who is a Building Owner under the Act?
A Building Owner is the person (s) who is proposing to undertake notifiable works.
Who is an Adjoining Owner under the Act?
An Adjoining Owner is any owner(s) who is likely to be affected by the notifiable works. This can be a Freeholder, Leaseholder or a long-term Tenant which holds 1 or more years interest in the property.
Can I dispute the Party Wall Award?
Once the Party Wall Award is issued, either party has a right to dispute this within 14 days of its service by applying to the County Court.
My neighbour is planning to undertake notifiable works, am I expected to pay for the professional fees?
Under most circumstances, the Building Owner will be responsible for all Party Wall related costs, including the Adjoining Owner Surveyor fees.
Can the construction works commence before the Party Wall Award is finalised?
The works which are notifiable under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 cannot be undertaken until a Party Wall Award has been prepared and served on all relevant parties.
Can my neighbour’s Contractor enter my property during the works?
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 does allow access for the Building Owner’s workforce onto the neighbouring property, provided there is no other way to complete these works from the Building Owner’s land. In order to do this, the Building Owner must serve a 14-day notice requesting entry however this can be reduced in an event of an emergency and subject to agreement.
My neighbours have commenced with building works without serving a notice, what can I do?
As a first course of action, it is prudent to contact the neighbour as they may not be aware of the Party Wall etc Act 1996. If the neighbour decides to proceed with the works despite the requirements under the Act, then you may wish to consider discussing your options with a Solicitor.
I have Planning permission and Building Control approval for the proposed works, do I still need to comply with the Party Wall etc Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is a separate legislation from the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Building Act 1984. If the proposed works fall within the remit of the Party Wall etc Act 1996, then these will need to comply with this legislation in addition to the Planning consents and Building Control certification.