If you’re planning building work that involves a shared wall, near a boundary, or involves excavation close to a neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 probably applies. Understanding your obligations before work starts avoids disputes, delays, and potential legal liability.
We act as party wall surveyors across Gloucestershire, Bath, and the Cotswolds — for both building owners and adjoining owners.
When the Act Applies
The Party Wall Act covers three main situations. Work to a party wall itself — cutting into, raising, demolishing, or rebuilding a shared wall. Building a new wall on or astride a boundary line. Excavating within specified distances of neighbouring structures (3 metres for foundations below their footings, 6 metres where the excavation extends below a 45-degree line from their foundations).
Common triggers include loft conversions (party wall work in terraced or semi-detached properties), extensions (both party wall work and excavation near boundaries), basement conversions (excavation below neighbouring foundations), and demolition and rebuilding.
The Process
Notice: You must serve written notice on affected neighbours before starting work. Different types of notice apply depending on the work — party structure notices, line of junction notices, or notices of adjacent excavation. Notice periods are typically 1-2 months.
Consent or Dispute: Your neighbour can consent in writing, and the work proceeds under the Act’s provisions. If they don’t respond or dissent, a dispute is deemed to have arisen.
Surveyors: When a dispute arises, each party appoints a surveyor (or both agree on a single “agreed surveyor”) to prepare a Party Wall Award. The award records the condition of the neighbouring property before work starts, sets out what work is permitted, and establishes a framework for any disputes about damage.
Our Role
We act as appointed surveyor for building owners, agreed surveyor (when both parties are happy with a single appointment), or appointed surveyor for adjoining owners who want independent representation.
As experienced surveyors, we understand both the legal framework and the practical realities of construction. Our awards are thorough, fair, and designed to protect both parties’ interests while allowing legitimate building work to proceed.
Why It Matters
Ignoring the Party Wall Act is risky. Work carried out without proper notices and awards can be stopped by injunction. If neighbouring property is damaged during work that wasn’t properly notified, your legal position is significantly weakened. Disputes that could have been managed through the Act’s framework become expensive litigation.
Getting the process right from the start is straightforward and relatively inexpensive compared to the consequences of getting it wrong.
Contact us to discuss your party wall requirements.
