What Happens During a Party Wall Survey in London?

If you plan to start a construction project in London that affects a shared wall with a neighbour, you may need a party wall survey. Understanding what happens during a party wall survey can make the whole process less stressful and smoother for everyone involved. The survey helps to ensure that any construction does not negatively impact the shared wall or neighbouring property.

The first step usually involves serving a party wall notice. This notice informs your neighbour about the planned work, giving them a chance to agree or raise concerns. Once the notice is served, the next steps focus on ensuring both parties' properties are protected during the construction.

A party wall surveyor plays an essential role throughout this process. They start with pre-survey actions, followed by an on-site inspection to assess the current condition of the properties. Finally, they draft a party wall award, which outlines the details of the work and how to protect both properties.

Knowing what to expect during each step can help you prepare better and handle any issues that arise more effectively. This guide will walk you through the key stages of a party wall survey, helping to demystify the process and ensure you’re well-prepared.

Initial Notice and Response Process

The first step in the party wall survey process is serving a party wall notice. This notice informs your neighbour about your planned construction work and gives them a chance to respond. You must serve this notice at least two months before starting your project, giving your neighbours enough time to consider it.

Once the notice is served, your neighbours have three options: they can agree to the work, refuse it, or ignore it. If they agree, you can proceed with your project with minimal fuss. If they refuse or don't respond within 14 days, you'll need to involve a party wall surveyor to help resolve the situation.

The surveyor will aim to reach an agreement between both parties, ensuring that the construction can proceed while protecting everyone's interests. This process might include appointing a third surveyor if the involved surveyors cannot agree. The goal is to have a fair and balanced assessment of the work's impact on the shared wall.

Surveyor's Role and Pre-Survey Actions

The party wall surveyor plays a crucial role from the moment a dispute arises or neighbours fail to respond to the notice. First, the surveyor appoints an independent professional to assess the situation impartially. They are not on anyone's side; their job is to ensure that the construction work meets all legal requirements and does not harm the neighbouring properties.

One of the first actions the surveyor takes is conducting a pre-survey visit. During this visit, the surveyor checks the current condition of both properties. They take detailed notes and photographs to document everything before any construction begins. This record helps to avoid misunderstandings and disputes later on.

The surveyor then looks at the construction plans to see how the work might affect the shared wall or neighbouring property. They may suggest changes to minimise any potential impact. These suggestions aim to protect both parties and ensure the project can go ahead smoothly and safely.

By understanding these initial steps, you’ll know what to expect when starting a party wall survey and how vital the surveyor's role is in the process.

The On-Site Inspection

The on-site inspection is a key part of the party wall survey. During this stage, the surveyor visits both properties to take a close look at the shared wall and surrounding areas. The main aim is to document the condition of the properties before any construction begins. This helps to ensure that any potential damage caused by the work can be correctly identified and addressed.

During the inspection, the surveyor will take detailed notes and photos. These records are crucial because they provide an accurate snapshot of the property’s current state. The surveyor checks for any existing damage, like cracks or dampness, that might worsen during construction. This thorough examination helps protect both your property and your neighbour's.

The surveyor also makes sure that the construction plans align with legal requirements. If the planned work is likely to cause significant issues, the surveyor may suggest changes to mitigate these impacts. By following these steps, the surveyor helps ensure the construction proceeds smoothly and fairly for all parties involved.

Creating and Serving the Party Wall Award

After the on-site inspection, the surveyor's next task is to create the party wall award. This award is a legal document that details how the construction work will proceed and outlines each party’s responsibilities. It includes important information, such as the start date, working hours, and specific measures to protect both properties.

The surveyor drafts the award based on the findings from the on-site inspection and any agreements made between you and your neighbours. The award specifies what work will be done, how it will be executed, and any precautions needed to prevent damage. It also sets out what happens if damage does occur, including how repairs will be handled and who is responsible.

Once the party wall award is drafted, it is served to both parties. The surveyor makes sure that everyone understands the contents and agrees to the terms. If there are disagreements, additional negotiations or amendments may occur until a fair agreement is reached. This final step helps ensure that all parties are satisfied and that the construction can begin under clear and fair conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the steps involved in a party wall survey helps demystify the process and sets clear expectations for everyone. From serving the initial notice to creating and serving the party wall award, each step is designed to protect both your property and your neighbour’s property. The detailed involvement of a surveyor ensures that the work meets legal standards and minimises potential conflicts.

ARM Property Services has over 20 years of experience in party wall surveying, offering expert guidance and reliable service. Whether you’re planning a minor renovation or a major construction project, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable partner by your side. Contact ARM Property Services today for smooth and professional party wall surveyor services.