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RICS Party Wall SurveyS

Ensure your party wall construction runs smoothly with the help of our RICS party wall surveyors.

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What is a Party Wall & What is a Party Wall Agreement?

If you’re planning to carry out construction works, such as building an extension or building a second storey extension above a shared wall, then you may need a party wall agreement. Party wall notices are also a legal requirement for any planned construction that may affect structures close by (i.e less than 3-6 meters away).

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 was devised to prevent building works across adjoining properties that could cause upset between neighbours, or could compromise the structural integrity of the wall. The Act states that you must serve a notice before construction begins, and all neighbours should be in agreement of the plans to be carried out. These are usually in the form of party wall agreements or a party wall award.

Having a survey completed by one of our RICS party wall surveyors guarantees peace of mind through this journey. We work with you from the beginning of your party wall project to minimise risks, guide you through the design and construction stage, and manage any disputes to help you reach the desired result and move forward with your project. We can work with you and your neighbours to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible.

What Does a Party Wall Survey Include?

A visit to your property to discuss your plans and advise on what needs to be included in your party wall award.

An inspection of the party wall from both yours and the neighbouring property’s point of view, which may include proposed architectural drawings, title deeds, method statements, and any other relevant documentation.

Create and issue relevant party wall notices to your neighbours.

Write up the party wall agreement which will outline proposed costs and timings for the works taking place, methods for construction, and a clear outline of the permitted work scope.

Advice should a neighbour contest or disagree with the party wall agreement, along with amendments to the agreement.

Schedule of conditions created if needed, including annotated photographic evidence before and after construction.

A final inspection of the party wall is included in this service to ensure that the agreed schedule of condition is correct following completion of the works.

Honest advice if and when required, from a team of professionals who have your best interests at heart.

Why Choose Fourth Wall?

Our team of RICS chartered surveyors have experience in party wall matters of varying complexity, and we can use our expertise to help you reach your desired outcomes. Our RICS party wall surveyors will go above and beyond to ensure relationships are maintained throughout the process. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what we do, matched with a passion to deliver value at every stage of your experience with our team. If you’d like to work with a flexible team who’ll work in a way that you understand, get in touch with us today.

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Party Wall FAQs

Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.

Can a Neighbour Refuse Party Wall Agreement?

Yes, they can. If your neighbor(s) disagree with the proposed works then they can refuse to consent, however this would then open a formal dispute resolution process, which can delay the work planned. When this happens a surveyor will need to be appointed, such as ourselves, to help resolve the dispute by ensuring the needs of both parties are met with a revised party wall agreement. Your neighbour cannot stop the works taking place. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is designed to support development not stop it.

When Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?

If you are planning to carry out construction on or near a party wall, then you will need a party wall agreement in place. The agreement will need to be served to each neighbours at least two months before the proposed works are set to begin. You will generally need a party wall agreement in place for house extensions, summer houses, or loft conversions next to a party wall.

What is the Party Wall Act?

The Party Wall etc Act of 1996 acts as a procedure to follow when completing building works on or near a party wall (i.e. neighbouring walls or shared garden boundaries). The Act aims to keep all adjoining property owners notified and on the same page before the project takes place, ensuring disputes and disagreements are kept to a minimum.

Do I Need a Party Wall Agreement for an Extension?

If your building extension will share the party wall is extending to the garden boundary, or excavation works to the foundations within 3m of and to a lower level than the foundations of an adjoining property then yes, a party wall agreement is needed before construction can take place.

How Much Does a Party Wall Agreement Cost?

The cost of a party wall agreement can vary depending on the size of your project, how many notices need to be served, and if your neighbours are in agreement with the proposed works straight away. If you’d like to find out how much your party wall agreement will cost, why not get in touch with one of our RICS party wall surveyors? We can offer you a free consultation and no-obligation quote based on your exact needs.

What Our Clients Say.

We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?

“Fantastic report with great technical detail. We recently had a building survey conducted on a property by another surveyor and the report provided by Fourth Wall was leagues ahead.”

– Robert Sykes

“High quality, clear and practical: Really useful report, very clear with helpful photographs and budget for repairs. They gave some really helpful extra insight on the phone post survey. Would recommend.”

– Rachel Morrison

“Great service, with a detailed final report for a good price. Everything was completed on time.”

– Thomas Worthington

“A detailed report was provided in a week. It was well presented, clearly laid out and each point colour coded. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend and will definitely use their services again in the future.”

– R.C

“Our survey was as detailed as the sample one, yet it was easy to understand and explained exactly all the issues. I’d definitely use Fourth Wall again, if I needed to.”

– Louie Parkin

Ready to take the next steps?

Speak To Our RICS Party Wall Surveyors

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about our party wall services, why not book a free, no-obligation consultation? We’ll be able to review your situation and goals, and advise on the best course of action to take. We pride ourselves on offering reliable, honest advice without the heavy jargon. Simply click the button below or complete our contact form to get started.

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We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.