Welcome to Party Wall, Without the Drama
The Act’s written in gobbledygook. Notices, deadlines, “Awards”… it’s like a bad board game with no instructions
Some surveyors treat confusion as a cash machine. The messier it gets, the fatter their invoice.
Neighbours who could’ve shaken hands end up not speaking. Everyone loses: time, money, and sleep.
Delivering you a three-pronged approach to Party Wall matters: fairness, clarity, and keeping things moving. That means fair fees, neighbourly outcomes, and stress-free progress — as you’ll see below.
We don’t drag things out just to bump up invoices. If neighbours can agree, we’ll make sure they do — quickly, simply, and at a fair cost.
We guide both sides through the process with sense and balance, so disputes don’t spiral and projects don’t stall.
We strip out the jargon, cut through the confusion, and keep your project moving without the drama.
“Works near a shared boundary can require formal notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. SurvDesign guides both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners through notices, schedules of condition and Party Wall Awards so projects proceed lawfully and neighbour relationships stay constructive.”
The Act sets out rights and obligations when building works affect a party wall/structure, new walls at the boundary, or excavations near neighbouring foundations.
Typical triggers include cutting into or raising a party wall, inserting beams, underpinning, building new walls at the boundary, or excavating within 3–6 metres to a depth that could affect foundations.
The Building Owner undertakes the works and serves notice. The Adjoining Owner is the neighbour affected by those works. Each may appoint a surveyor; one Agreed Surveyor can act for both if everyone consents.
We prepare and serve the correct notices with drawings and method information so timelines are valid and clear.
We record the Adjoining Owner’s property condition with photos and notes before works start — a key reference if damage is alleged.
We draft fair, enforceable Awards covering methods, access, protection measures, working hours and making good. Awards include drawings and the schedule of condition.
We manage communications, arrange access for inspections and keep both parties informed to minimise disputes.
Loft conversions with steel beams into a party wall
Rear/side extensions with new foundations near a neighbour
Chimney breast removals
We assess your drawings, confirm which sections of the Act apply and set a notice strategy and timeline.
We serve notices correctly and track 14‑day responses. If consent isn’t given, we move to dispute resolution.
We inspect, prepare the schedule of condition and negotiate the Award terms between owners.
We finalise and serve the Award, then monitor works as needed and advise on making good.
We produce balanced, pragmatic Awards that protect both owners and keep projects moving.
Our in‑house technical team coordinates party wall detail with your planning and Building Regulations drawings for fewer site surprises.
Streamlined processes, transparent fees and responsive updates.
Share your project drawings and addresses for all affected neighbours. We’ll confirm which notices apply and provide a fixed fee.
Building 13, Thames Enterprise Centre, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8RH
Building 13, Thames Enterprise Centre, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8RH