Party Wall Matters

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Party Wall Survey Details

When planning construction that may affect a shared boundary, it’s important to understand the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. At Hair & Son, we provide expert party wall services to ensure your project complies with legal obligations and to help prevent or resolve disputes with neighbours. Our experienced surveyors guide you through every step, from serving the necessary notices to preparing the party wall award, ensuring a smooth, legally compliant process that protects your interests.

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What is a Party Wall?

A party wall is a wall or structure shared between two properties. In terraced or semi-detached houses, this might be a wall forming part of the boundary. Any work that affects a party wall, such as building an extension, converting a loft, or excavating near the boundary, can trigger the need for a party wall agreement. Understanding your obligations under the Act before starting work is essential.

Why Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor?

If your construction affects a shared wall or boundary, you are legally required to serve a party wall notice to your neighbours. A qualified surveyor ensures that your works comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and manages the process professionally. At Hair & Son, our surveyors handle every stage of the service, including notifying neighbours, preparing legal documents, and resolving disputes.

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What Does a Party Wall Service Include?

Our party wall services are designed to give you clarity and legal protection throughout your project. They typically include:

Issuing Party Wall Notices: Informing neighbours about the proposed work, including its scope, timing, and potential impact.
Schedule of Condition: Documenting the current state of the shared wall and surrounding areas to protect both parties and prevent future disputes.
Preparing the Party Wall Award: Drafting a legally binding award outlining the work, responsibilities, access arrangements, and protective measures.
Resolving Disputes: Acting impartially to mediate disagreements and ensure a fair outcome for all parties.
Ongoing Monitoring (optional): Checking construction progress to confirm compliance with the award and that no damage occurs to the party wall or neighbouring property.

Why Choose Hair & Son?

Our RICS-accredited surveyors have extensive experience with party wall matters across the UK. We provide clear, professional guidance and manage the entire process, giving you confidence that your project will proceed lawfully and with minimal disruption to neighbours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and when does it apply?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is UK legislation designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbours when certain types of building work are carried out. It typically applies to works involving shared walls, boundary walls, or excavations close to neighbouring properties.

What happens if my neighbour ignores a Party Wall Notice?

If a neighbour does not respond to a Party Wall Notice within 14 days, this is classed as a dissent under the Act. At this point, surveyors must be appointed to agree a Party Wall Award before work can legally proceed.

How long does the party wall process usually take?

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the works and neighbour cooperation. In straightforward cases, the process can take a few weeks, while more complex matters or disputes may take longer to resolve.

What happens if a dispute arises?

If disagreements occur, our surveyors provide impartial advice and mediation to reach a fair resolution. The party wall award itself also provides a legal framework to manage disputes, protecting the interests of both parties.

Do you monitor the work during construction?

Yes, if required. We can carry out optional inspections during and after construction to ensure the party wall award is followed and no damage occurs to the shared wall or neighbouring property.