Party Wall Surveying

Put simply, a party wall is any wall across the boundary of land belonging to two (or more) owners. It is normally a building wall, but can also be a ‘party fence wall’ dividing gardens or other land.

The Party Wall Act 1996 is the framework in law allowing people to resolve disputes over party walls. Any building owner proposing work covered by the act must let adjoining owners know about the work. They must allow them to agree or disagree with the proposals. The act then provides the framework for resolving any disagreements or disputes.

Read more on the Government website here.

The answer to the question, ‘do I need a party wall survey’ depends upon a number of factors. If you decide you do, then we will help you through the next steps.

The Party Wall Act has established a regime to appoint a surveyor (or surveyors). They will help resolve any dispute arising from building works relating to a party wall. The surveyor can be anyone, but they should be competent and experienced.

As experienced and qualified surveyors, Quanticost are competent to be appointed as surveyors to resolve any party wall dispute. We will usually work with other surveyors to reach an agreement and establish a formal party wall agreement in writing. This document is often referred to in the event of the sale of the property. It gives certainty in relation to responsibilities and obligations relating to the wall.

You may also wish to have a ‘schedule of condition’ drawn up. A schedule ensures you have a ‘line in the sand’ that demonstrates the condition and position of property before any works begin. You will then be able to resolve any future disputes should the party wall agreement not be adhered to, or any mishaps arise during construction.

Usually, the cost of a party wall survey will be met by the building owner having the work done. This includes the costs should the adjoining owner appoint their own surveyor.

However, the adjoining owner may also be liable to a proportion of the fees should they serve a counter notice for works to be done on their behalf. For example, if the adjoining owner decides that they also want to have work done on the party wall, that will benefit their own property.

Quanticost’s fees are structured to suite each individual project and will depend on the response from the adjoining owner.

We provide fixed fees which include party wall notices, schedules of condition and the party wall award (If the adjoining owner gives dissent to the Notice).