FAQS Beaconsfield

1. What is a Party Wall Award?

When a neighbour disagrees with the Party Wall Notice, the party wall surveyor prepares a legally binding document called a Party Wall Award. It lays down how the building will be set out, how work will be carried out, secures the owners, and ensures no disputes arise during the building process.

2. When is a Party Wall Award required?

A Party Wall Award is usually required when proposed works fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and the adjoining owner either objects to the works or fails to respond to a notice within 14 days.

3. Party Wall Survey: The Definitive Guide to Party Wall Surveyors. What exactly does a Party Wall Surveyor do?

Party Wall Surveyors are neutral parties whose role is to resolve and settle disputes, prepare Party Wall Awards, document the pre-conditions of neighbouring properties affected by building works, and ultimately ensure building works comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

4. Is a Party Wall Award legally binding?

Yes. Once served, a Party Wall Award is legally binding on both the building owner and the adjoining owner.

5. How long does a Party Wall Award last?

A Party Wall Award generally remains valid for 12 months from the date it is served, although the timeframe for completing works may vary depending on the project.

6. Can building work start without a Party Wall Award?

If a Party Wall Award is required, work should not begin until the award has been agreed and served. Starting work prematurely may lead to disputes, delays, or legal action.

7. Who pays for the Party Wall Surveyor?

In most cases, the building owner carrying out the work is responsible for paying the reasonable surveyor fees for both parties.

8. Can both neighbours use the same Party Wall Surveyor?

Yes. Both owners can jointly appoint a single “Agreed Surveyor” to act impartially for both parties, thereby reducing costs and speeding up the process.

9. What happens if my neighbour ignores a Party Wall Notice?

If no response is received within 14 days, the law treats the notice as disputed, and surveyors will need to be appointed to prepare a Party Wall Award.

10. What is included in a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award typically includes details of the proposed works, working hours, access arrangements, schedules of condition, and procedures for dealing with any damage.

11. What is a Schedule of Condition?

A condition survey is a comprehensive, written and photographic record of the state of a neighbouring property prior to works being carried out. This protects both parties should future damage claims arise.

12. Do I need a Party Wall Award for a loft conversion?

Many loft conversions require Party Wall Notices and Awards, particularly where steel beams are inserted into a shared wall.

13. Do I need a Party Wall Award for removing a chimney breast?

As chimney breast removals usually affect a Party Wall or Structure, you will likely need to serve a Party Wall Notice and Award before proceeding with the work.

14. How Long Will The Party Wall Process Take?

That naturally depends on the case, but simple cases take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. However, more complicated disputes that require the appointment of a different surveyor can last much longer.

15. What happens if damage occurs during the works?

The Party Wall Award will usually set out procedures for repairing damage or compensating the adjoining owner if construction works cause problems.

16. Can I appeal a Party Wall Award?

Yes. Either owner can appeal a Party Wall Award to the county court within 14 days of service of the award.

17. What work is covered by the Party Wall Act?

Loft conversions, rear extensions, basement excavations, structural alterations, chimney breast removals, and excavations alongside neighbouring foundations are examples of work to which the Act typically applies.

18. What happens if neighbours cannot agree?

If neighbours cannot agree, each owner may appoint their own surveyor. The surveyors then work together to produce a fair and impartial Party Wall Award.

19. Why should I hire an experienced Party Wall Surveyor?

An experienced surveyor can help ensure legal compliance, minimise disputes, protect neighbouring properties, and keep your project progressing smoothly.

20. Can Survey One help with Party Wall Notices and Awards?

Yes. Survey One provides professional Party Wall Surveyor services, including serving notices, preparing Party Wall Awards, and carrying out Schedule of Condition reports for residential building projects.