Frequently Asked Questions
We recognise that construction plans involve lots of moving parts and can sometimes seem confusing. Whether you’re arranging a house extension or planning a brand new build, our architects and party wall surveyors in Essex are here to shed some light on the most frequently asked questions.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, feel free to contact Robert Turner Associates, and we’ll be happy to help.
Party wall basics
What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and when does it apply?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a piece of legislation that governs plans affecting “party wall boundaries” — a structure that straddles the property line between two buildings or properties owned by different people.
If your project will impact a shared wall, floor, or another party structure, you’ll need to serve notice to your adjoining neighbours, so they’re made aware of your plans. Excavations close to property boundaries that are built on are also covered under the Party Wall Act.
Do I always need to serve a party wall notice?
You only need to serve notice if your project falls under the scope of the Party Wall Act. This is something our team will be able to assess for you.
What happens if my neighbour ignores the party wall notice?
When you serve party wall notice, your neighbour can either consent, stating that they are happy for you to conduct the work, or they can dispute it. They have 14 days in which to respond.
If the neighbour doesn’t reply to your initial notice, you need to give them another 10 days. If they still don’t respond, then they are deemed to have dissented to the work, so you will need to appoint a party wall surveyor to help resolve the dispute.
Have you received a party wall notice? Get expert help from the Robert Turner Associates team by filling out our quick and easy responding to a party wall notice enquiry form.
Who can act as a party wall surveyor?
Technically, anybody who is not one of the building owners and has an understanding of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 can act as a party wall surveyor. However, it is always best to appoint someone who is a member of a regulated body.
Our party wall surveyors in Essex and North and South London are RICS-regulated and members of the Faculty of party wall Surveyors (FPWS) and will always provide fair, impartial support.
How much does a party wall survey cost?
As with any service, the cost of appointing a professional to conduct a party wall survey can vary depending on the project type and the surveyor’s own pricing. Generally, you can expect to pay around £1000 for a party wall award.
How long does the party wall process take from notice to award?
In most cases, it takes around 2-3 months to confirm an award for a straightforward project with no disputes. More complex cases can take up to 6 months. How long it takes a neighbour to respond to notice, any disputes, project information and the level of work required can all affect the timeframe.
Responding to a party wall notice
I’ve received a party wall notice — what should I do first?
When you receive a party wall notice from a neighbour, it’s important to respond. The first step is to make sure you understand the proposed work in detail. If you have any questions, ask for clarification before consenting or dissenting to the project in writing.
Get help with responding to a party wall notice by filling our online enquiry form.
Can I refuse consent to my neighbour’s works?
Yes, you have the right to refuse consent if you are worried that the project will damage the party wall or otherwise have a negative impact on your property or its access. You will still need to respond in written form.
What is the difference between consenting and dissenting?
Consenting means you agree for the work to go ahead as outlined in the party wall notice. Dissenting means you do not give your consent for the work to go ahead as currently planned. Either way, you must respond — get expert help responding to a party wall notice from the Robert Turner Associates team.
What does a party wall award cover?
A party wall award is a legal document that may determine:
1) The right to execute any work (under the act);
2) The time and manner of executing any work; and
3) Any other matter arising out of or incidental to the dispute including the costs of making the award.
Working with a party wall surveyor
Who pays for a party wall surveyor?
It will usually be the building owner planning the work who will pay for a party wall surveyor. However, if you are responding to a party wall notice, you may also wish to appoint your own surveyor.
How do you choose the right party wall surveyor?
Look for a party wall surveyor who has a strong understanding of the Party Wall Act etc 1996. We also recommend looking for a surveyor who is RICS-accredited and has good knowledge of your local area. For example, for work in Chelmsford, Billericay, or Southend-on-Sea, we recommend appointing a party wall surveyor in Essex.
Can Robert Turner Associates act for both me and my neighbour?
Yes, we can provide an experienced party wall surveyor to offer impartial advice to both you and your neighbour to ensure the fairest outcome. Both parties must agree on the appointed surveyor. A surveyor has a statutory obligation to act impartially and to safeguard the interests of the parties.
What information will you need from me?
If you are looking for support with serving a party wall notice, we’ll need the contact details of both you and your neighbour, along with details of the work planned and the walls or structures it will affect. If you are appointing us to help resolve a dispute, we will also need to know when notice was served and the neighbour’s concerns about the work.
Can you help if my neighbour has already started work without notice?
Absolutely, we can offer advice on the best next steps, which may include sending a letter to the neighbour who has started the work and potential legal action if the issue cannot be resolved another way.
Architectural & design services
Do you offer architectural design as well as surveying?
We’re proud to work with a team of talented architects in Essex, providing a range of architectural services.
Our team includes Giulia Pasqualini Galliani, who is a member of both ARB (Architects Registration Board) and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), and Mattia Penazzi. Together, they can support your project with a variety of architectural services.
Can you prepare planning drawings for my project?
Our talented architects can prepare 2D and 3D planning drawings, providing both hand-drawn and computer aided technical illustrations.
Do you handle building regulations approval?
We’re more than happy to support you with any planning permission and building regulation applications.
As South East locals, we have in-depth knowledge of local regulations in Essex, Suffolk, and North and South London, so we can ensure you get the approvals you need for a smooth-running project. We can handle the paperwork and liaise with the local authority on your behalf.
Do you work on extensions and loft conversions?
Over the years, we’ve supported homeowners, businesses, and developers with a variety of projects, including loft conversions and extensions. We’ll develop creative, practical plans to help you get the most out of your space.
Feel free to explore our portfolio to see house extension and loft conversion projects we’ve worked on in Essex and the surrounding areas.
How do I get started with your architectural services?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a consultation, and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements and how our architects can help.
Location & service coverage
Which areas do your building services cover?
Our architects and building surveyors are based in Essex, covering everywhere from Billericay and Chelmsford to Saffron Walden and Southend-on-Sea. However, we also offer architectural and party wall services across London and Suffolk. Please take a look at our full list of locations for more information.
Can you take on projects outside these areas?
We can sometimes take on projects from other areas in the South East, so if you can’t see your location listed, please feel free to get in touch to have a chat about your requirements.
Cost & timescales
How much will my party wall matter cost?
The cost of your party wall matter depends on the services you require. As a ballpark estimate, you can usually expect to pay from £800 for a straightforward agreement, and up to £5,400 or more for more complex matters e.g. basement construction projects..
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes, we are always happy to provide a free initial consultation and no-obligation quote.
How quickly can you start work?
Under usual circumstances, influenced by the type of instruction and locality, we can start work within 1 or 2 weeks from receiving a formal instruction. In respect of serving party wall notices, within 1 to 2 days of receiving a formal instruction subject to the availability of information from the project team.
Contact our helpful architects and surveyors in Essex
We hope this has provided you with all the information you need, but if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Robert Turner Associates.
If you are ready to get started with your construction project, whether you’re planning a loft conversion in Essex or need help from a party wall surveyor in London, the team at Robert Turner Associates is here to help. Get in touch today.
