If you’re planning a home renovation or building project that affects a party wall, you’ll need some guidance from a party wall surveyor. These experts can guide you through the intricacies of the process, from the early planning stages to legal documentation.
Whether you’re ready to start the search for a local party wall surveyor or you’re simply gathering some information for the future, here’s all you need to know about finding the best party wall specialist in London.
Party wall basics
When a construction project affects a party wall — a wall on a shared boundary between two properties — all owners need to be informed of the planned work. This means you’ll need to let your neighbour know if your extension, refurbishment, or new-build structure will have an impact on a party wall. Likewise, your neighbour will need to inform you if their project will affect that same party wall.
This responsibility is set out in the Party Wall Act, etc. of 1996, meaning it’s a legal obligation. To inform a neighbour about your planned work, you’ll need to serve them a formal party wall notice. If they are happy with the proposal, a party wall agreement will be put together. And if they disagree with the planned work, they can dispute it.
What does a party wall surveyor do?
So, how does a party wall surveyor fit into the equation? According to the Party Wall, etc. Act of 1996, a party wall surveyor acts as an impartial expert who helps resolve any disputes over party wall matters and ensures a proper agreement is reached.
Support for building owners planning work
Their main duties on behalf of building owners include:
- Identifying any adjoining ownerships so you know who to serve the party wall notice to.
- Ensuring you have all the necessary project plans and drawings for party wall notices and agreements — this may involve liaising with structural engineers and architects.
- Drawing up party wall notice documents to be served to neighbours.
Support for neighbours affected by party wall matters
Party wall surveyors can also work on behalf of adjoining owners who have been served a party wall notice. They can:
- Make sure any party wall notices served are valid.
- Negotiate any amendments to the planned works if necessary.
Support for both parties
Ultimately, a party wall surveyor’s main aim is to help all parties resolve any disputes in connection with notifiable party wall work on what work will be carried out. They’ll take care of:
- Handling any disputes between the parties to resolve any disputes in accordance with the act.
- Drafting party wall agreements that outline what work should happen (and where and when), and who will be responsible for paying for the work.
What qualities to look for in a party wall surveyor
Whether you’re planning to work on your own property or a neighbour has served you a party wall notice, it’s important to appoint a trustworthy and reliable surveyor. Here are some qualities to look for:
- Accreditation: Look for a qualified party wall surveyor with RICS accreditation (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). This will show they adhere to professional standards and follow a strict code of conduct.
We also recommend appointing a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, which highlights that they have specialist knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act of 1996.
- Knowledge of the local area: Understanding local regulations can be incredibly useful when dealing with party wall matters and may speed the process up, so a surveyor who knows the area can be very beneficial.
At Robert Turner Associates, our team has extensive knowledge of the London property market. So if you need party wall surveyors in London, we can help. - Impartiality: Your party wall surveyor needs to be unbiased throughout the process to ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved, this is their statutory duty.
- Excellent communication: Party wall matters involve liaising with multiple parties, from neighbours and adjoining owners to architects, local authorities, and construction teams.
As such, it’s vital that your party wall surveyor offers great communication so everyone has a clear understanding of the project at every stage.
Reliable party wall surveyors in London
Whether you need a party wall surveyor in London to get your extension project rolling or a specialist in East London to help you dispute a party wall notice served by your neighbour, the team at Robert Turner Associates can provide professional, impartial guidance for the fairest outcome.
To discuss your requirements, please feel free to get in touch today.
