Party Wall Surveying
Expert party wall advice for building owners and neighbours – helping you avoid disputes and keep projects moving.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996
If you are planning building work on or near a shared wall or boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.
B.C Surveying provides professional party wall services for both building owners carrying out work and adjoining owners whose property may be affected.
Common Projects
- Loft conversions
- Rear and side extensions
- Basement works
- Removing chimney breasts
- Cutting in steel beams
When Does The Party Wall Act Apply?
Work To A Party Wall
Cutting in steel beams, inserting a damp-proof course, raising, or demolishing and rebuilding a shared wall.
New Wall On The Boundary
Building a new wall on or at the boundary line between two properties.
Excavations Nearby
Excavating within 3 metres (or 6 metres in certain cases) of a neighbouring building, lower than its foundations.
Party Wall Services
- Advice on whether the Act applies to your project
- Preparing and serving Party Structure, Line of Junction and Notifiable Excavation notices
- Acting as Building Owner's Surveyor, Adjoining Owner's Surveyor or Agreed Surveyor
- Schedules of condition recording the neighbouring property before work starts
- Preparing and agreeing the Party Wall Award
- Post-work inspections and resolving any disputes
Notice Periods
2 Months' Notice
Generally required for work to an existing party structure.
1 Month's Notice
Generally required for new walls on the boundary line and notifiable excavations.
Start Early
Getting notices right early avoids delays to your build – contact us as soon as your plans take shape.
Your Surveyor: Billy Clarke MCIOB AssocRICS
Your party wall surveying is carried out personally by Billy Clarke MCIOB AssocRICS – an independent building surveyor with 23 years’ experience in residential construction, at B.C Surveying Hertfordshire Ltd, an RICS-regulated firm.
Billy also owns and operates a residential construction company. That practical experience helps him identify defects, understand their causes and recommend appropriate repairs – while the surveying business is kept entirely separate.
Party Wall Surveying – Areas Covered
Why Instruct B.C Surveying?
RICS Regulated
B.C Surveying Hertfordshire Ltd is an RICS-regulated firm.
23 Years
Experience in residential construction – Billy still owns and operates a residential construction company.
MCIOB & AssocRICS
MCIOB AssocRICS (RICS no. 6956685) – your independent building surveyor.
5-Star Rated
5 stars on Google and 4.5 stars on Trustpilot.
Personal Service
Billy personally inspects, writes your report and makes time for a post-report call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a surveyor if my neighbour agrees?
If your neighbour gives written consent, an award may not be needed. I still recommend a schedule of condition so both sides have a record before work begins.
Who pays for the party wall surveyor?
In most cases the building owner carrying out the work pays the reasonable costs of the process, including the adjoining owner's surveyor.
Can you act for my neighbour as well?
Yes – where both parties agree, I can act as the Agreed Surveyor, which is often the quickest and most cost-effective route.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the notice period and whether surveyors need to agree an award. Serving notice early is the best way to avoid delays.
Need Party Wall Advice?
Talk to us before you start work and avoid costly disputes.
Call 01727 222560 or email bookings@bc-surveying.co.uk