Party Wall Surveying Services
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors offer professional and impartial Party Wall surveying services in accordance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and current RICS guidance. We act for both building owners and adjoining owners, ensuring that statutory procedures are followed correctly and that the interests of all parties are properly safeguarded.
Advice on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
We provide clear, objective advice on the application of the Party Wall Act to proposed works, including extensions, loft conversions, excavations, works to existing Party Walls and boundary works. Our advice is focused on statutory compliance, risk management, and dispute avoidance.
Preparation and Service of Party Wall Notices
We prepare and serve all necessary Party Wall Notices on behalf of our clients, ensuring they are accurate, valid, and compliant with the requirements of the Act. Correct service of notices is essential to avoid delays and reduce the risk of disputes.
Appointment as Party Wall Surveyor
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors can be appointed as:
Building Owner’s Surveyor
Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor
Agreed Surveyor, where both parties concur on a single appointment
In all appointments, we act independently, impartially, and in accordance with the duties placed on surveyors under the Act and RICS professional standards.
Schedule of Condition
We undertake detailed Schedules of Condition of adjoining properties prior to the commencement of works. These records provide an objective benchmark of condition and are an important safeguard for both owners in the event of alleged damage.
Party Wall Awards
We prepare and agree Party Wall Awards that clearly define the permitted works, construction methodology, access arrangements, and protective measures. Our Awards are drafted to be robust, clear, and proportionate, helping to minimise the potential for future disputes.
Inspections and Ongoing Support
Where required, we carry out interim and post-construction inspections, deal with issues arising during the works, and provide advice on making good or compensation in accordance with the Act.
Dispute Resolution
We provide dispute resolution services under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, aiming to resolve matters fairly, efficiently, and with due regard to the rights and obligations of all parties.
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What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is legislation that provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes relating to certain types of building work carried out near or on shared structures or boundaries. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of building owners and adjoining owners.
What types of work are covered by the Act?
The Act typically applies to:
Works directly to a party wall or party structure
Construction of new walls at or astride a boundary
Excavations within prescribed distances of neighbouring buildings, including basement works
Common examples include extensions, loft conversions, underpinning, and boundary walls.
Do I always need to serve a Party Wall Notice?
If your proposed works fall within the scope of the Act, you are legally required to serve the appropriate Party Wall Notice(s) before work starts. Failure to do so may result in delays, disputes, or legal action.
How much notice do I need to give?
Depending on the type of work, notice periods are typically:
Two months for works to a party wall or structure
One month for excavation or boundary works
Notices must be correctly prepared and validly served to take effect.
What happens after a Party Wall Notice is served?
An adjoining owner may:
Consent to the works
Dissent and appoint their own surveyor
Dissent and agree to the appointment of a single Agreed Surveyor
If a dispute arises, surveyors are appointed to resolve it in accordance with the Act.
What is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document prepared by the appointed surveyor(s). It sets out the permitted works, how and when they are to be carried out, access arrangements, and measures to protect adjoining properties.
What is a Schedule of Condition and why is it important?
A Schedule of Condition is a detailed record of the adjoining property’s condition prior to works commencing. It provides an objective benchmark and helps protect both owners should damage be alleged during or after construction.
Who pays the Party Wall surveyors’ fees?
In most cases, the building owner proposing the works is responsible for the reasonable fees of all appointed surveyors, although there are some exceptions depending on the nature of the works and circumstances.
Can works start before a Party Wall Award is agreed?
If an adjoining owner dissents to the Notice, works must not commence until a Party Wall Award has been properly agreed and served.
How long does the Party Wall process take?
Timescales vary depending on the nature of the works and the responses of adjoining owners. Early professional advice can help minimise delays and ensure the process runs smoothly.
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C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors is a RICS-regulated practice. All services are provided in accordance with the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards, relevant RICS professional statements, and applicable guidance notes ensuring that our services are delivered with integrity, independence, and a commitment to best practice. Clients can be confident that our advice is professional, transparent, and compliant with current RICS guidance.
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute specific professional advice. Formal advice will only be provided following receipt of written instructions and confirmation of agreed terms of engagement.
Any opinions expressed are based on information available at the time of instruction and may be subject to change as further information becomes available or circumstances alter.
No responsibility is accepted to third parties who rely on information contained on this website without our prior written consent.
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors operates a formal Complaints Handling Procedure in accordance with RICS requirements. Details are available on request.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained in accordance with RICS regulations.