What is the role of a party wall surveyor?

Should there be a dispute between the person wanting to carry out works that fall under the Party Wall Act and their adjoining neighbour, a party wall surveyor is called in to resolve things.

Party wall surveyors have both the knowledge and the experience to assess and evaluate the likely impact of any work falling under the Party Wall Act. If a dispute arises, they have an expert knowledge of the legislation and can draw up a Party Wall Award that will allow the works to progress.

Advising on party wall matters

Before starting any work, a party wall surveyor can provide advice and assist you with serving the appropriate notices. Whether it is you planning a construction project, or you are the neighbour who has been served with a party wall notice, a party wall surveyor can advise you on your rights and obligations under the act.

Serving and responding to party wall notices

Depending on the type of work proposed, you will need to give either one- or two-months’ notice to your adjoining owners before starting any work that falls under the act. A party wall surveyor can draft and serve these notices, ensuring all legal requirements are met. They can also assist adjoining owners in responding to these notices, helping them understand the implications and options available to them.

Assessing the impact of proposed works

If the adjoining owner does not consent to the work, this is classified as a dispute. It means the party wall surveyor or surveyors will need to prepare a Party Wall Award. Once a dispute has arisen it will be up to the party wall surveyor, or surveyors, to assess the potential impact of the proposed work on the adjoining property.

Preparing a party wall award

Once the impact has been assessed, an appropriate Party Wall Award will be prepared by the surveyor, or surveyors. The award is a legal document outlining the responsibilities of both the building owner and adjoining owner, the scope of the work, and any measures required to protect the adjoining owner. The award also governs certain aspects of the works such as timings and working hours.

Preparing a schedule of condition

A party wall surveyor may prepare a schedule of condition before work begins. This involves a detailed inspection and recording of the condition of the adjoining property. The schedule serves as a reference point in the unlikely event that  any damage occurs during the works and ensures that any damage is repaired fairly and proportionately.

Resolving additional disputes

If a dispute occurs after the Award has been served that cannot be resolved between the parties, for example in relation to damage, your party wall surveyor will be required to produce a further Award to resolve the dispute. This may determine how damage should be repaired or enable access that was not foreseeable at the outset.

For expert advice and support relating to work that falls under the Party Wall Act call 0117 942 7876 or email and a member of our team will get back to you.  

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