Faulkner Party Wall Surveyors

Experience the highest quality service for your property needs. For professional advice, contact our team today – we have years of experience to help you understand your legal obligations. Avoid party wall disputes or potential issues today!

Welcome to Faulkner Party Wall Surveyors ​

If you’re planning to carry out any construction work on your property, it’s important to know what a party wall agreement is and whether you need one. A party wall matter doesn’t have to be complex – speak to our specialist party wall surveyors today!

On our site, we’ll take you through the basics of party wall agreements, their purpose, and why they’re important. Contact our team today to discuss proper procedures to adhere too and expert guidance on your build. Here we can help with all party wall advice – even if you are just in the planning stage of building. You can expect a high level of service from our faculty of party wall surveyors. Our proactive approach and reasonable costs will keep your building project on course!

Are You Looking To Do Any Of These Works?​

Boundary Line Extension

If the boundary is being built up to or astride the boundary line.

If the excavations are going to be within 3 meters of the boundary, at a depth greater than the foundations of the neighbour’s property.

Rebuilding or any demolition of the garden walls. To avoid boundary disputes around your building work, contact us today!

Loft Conversions

 

When beams need to be inserted directly into the party wall to facilitate the loft conversion.

Raising of the Party Wall’s height

Exposing a neighbour’s property, perhaps by taking sections of the party wall out

Fitting flashings or any roofing work

Removing A Chimney

The demolition or the rebuilding of the party wall.

When load-bearing beams are inserted 

Raising the party wall’s height

Chimney breast removal – Install steel beams.

Cutting projects off from the home’s party wall. The underpinning of the party wall

What Is A Party Wall Agreement?​

Image of extension at a property needing Party Wall Surveyors
What is a Party Wall Agreement?​

A party wall agreement is a legal agreement between property owners that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party when carrying out construction work on or near a shared wall. The purpose of a party wall agreement is to protect the interests of all parties involved.

To prevent disputes between neighbours.

Faulkner party wall surveyors
When is a Party Wall Agreement Needed?

A party wall agreement is required when you plan to carry out certain types of construction work, such as:

Building a new wall that is adjacent to a neighbouring property
Cutting into a wall to insert a beam or support
Excavating near a neighbouring property. If any of these works are likely to affect the structure or support of a shared wall, a party wall agreement must be obtained before starting work.

Party-Wall-Surveyor-Wigan
Advantages of Having a Party Wall Agreement

There are several advantages of having a party wall agreement, including:

Clarifies the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved
Helps to avoid disputes and conflicts between neighbours
Provides a legal framework for resolving any disputes that may arise during the work
Protects the interests of all parties involved

Faulkner Surveyors How We Work

Many homeowners, unfortunately, are not aware of the Party Wall Act of 1996, which requires owners to provide party wall notice following these types of work:

  1. Building anything up to or on the boundary line

  2. Carrying out any works to the structure or the wall itself

  3. Any excavation work that’s going to be carried out very near the neighbour’s property

As the project owner or the building owner, you have a couple of duties and rights that need to be understood and undertaken before such works can be carried out to protect the rights of Adjoining Owners. The party wall agreement is a formal notice to the Adjoining Owner’s property. This agreement is will explain the party wall process, the party wall services and legal procedures. This crucial piece of legislation is needed to know what happens in the risk of damage to the adjoining property, the agreement gives you both peace of mind. Once you have agreed your own surveyor, they can look at the party structure, line of junction and in the event of damage create a schedule of condition. This will allow for resolution of disputes around the party wall etc act.

As your Party Wall Surveyor, it is our duty to examine all the proposed works and then ensure that they are properly designed, executed, and completed in a manner that does not cause any damage to the neighbour’s property.

However, in the unlikely event that damage does occur, we will help recover damages for the property owner, i.e., the adjoining property owners, since they are protected.

It is important to understand that the UK’s Party Wall Act grants both property owners the right of access to the party wall surveyors.

Doing this allows surveyors on both sides to conduct the necessary inspections.

If you have a question about our Party Wall Surveyor service or need to consult before hiring us, then call us today to schedule an appointment.

What Makes Falkner Surveyors Different?​
No Jargon Discussions

Clear and concise communication between you and our surveyors at all times. We will not confuse you, and we aim to explain things simply without fuss.

Affordable Rates

We are proud to offer the very best service for the best price!
Or see our fee structure here.
Contact our team today for more information.

Customer Satisfaction

We are here for you. If you are building or renovating your property, or have concerns about a boundary or your neighbours’ work, we can help you now!

How to Obtain a Party Wall Agreement?

The first step in obtaining a party wall agreement is to serve a notice on your neighbours. If you want to work near or on boundary walls.

This notice must include details of the proposed works and the date on which you intend to start. The party wall agreement is a legal requirement for many building projects. Book a free consultation today or speak to our team today to find out more about extensive experience. For effective solutions, party wall surveying can identify any structural alterations that might affect the condition of the adjoining property. If you have a shared boundary avoiding a party wall agreement can result in costly disputes.

Your neighbours then have 14 days to respond to the notice. Your agreed surveyor will be able to explain all party wall regulations. Your experienced party wall surveyor Romford will ensure good relations between you and the adjoining owner.

If they do not respond, they are deemed to have dissented, and a dispute resolution process will be initiated. Your surveyor will notify the owner of the building about the part of a building that will be affected by your works. We will issue notice of their intention, notification of new boundary walls and the condition of a property before and after.

If your neighbours do not agree to the proposed works, you may need to appoint a surveyor to act as a mediator between the parties.

The surveyor will prepare a party wall award, which is a legally binding agreement that sets out the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Frequently asked questions

 Everything you need to know about party wall agreements, notices, and working with Faulkners.

The Party Wall Act
 
What is the Party Wall Act, and does it apply to me?
 
The Party Wall etc. The 1996 Act is a UK law that governs construction work affecting shared walls, boundary structures, and excavations near neighbouring properties. It applies if you’re planning a loft conversion, rear extension, chimney breast removal, basement dig, or any structural work close to a shared wall or boundary. If your project could affect your neighbour’s property, the Act almost certainly applies.
 
What is a Party wall?
 
A party wall is any wall shared between two properties — typically the wall dividing a semi-detached or terraced house. It can also refer to a wall that sits on the boundary line between two plots, or a floor/ceiling structure dividing flats. Garden boundary walls and fence lines can also fall under the Act.
 
What work triggers the need for a party wall agreement?
 
Common triggers include: loft conversions involving the party wall; single- or double-storey rear extensions; removal of a chimney breast on a shared wall; basement or underpinning works; digging foundations or excavations within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring structure; and any structural alteration to or near a shared wall. If you’re unsure, contact Faulkners for a free initial consultation.
 
Party wall notices
 
What does a party wall surveyor actually do?
 
A party wall surveyor examines the proposed works, reviews plans, carries out a Schedule of Condition (a detailed record of the neighbouring property’s current state), prepares the Party Wall Award, and oversees that work is carried out correctly. If damage occurs, the surveyor helps determine liability and award compensation. At Faulkners, your dedicated surveyor will guide you through every step with plain, jargon-free communication.
 
Do I need my own surveyor, or can one surveyor act for both parties?
 
Both parties can agree to appoint one “Agreed Surveyor” to act impartially for both — this is often quicker and more cost-effective. Alternatively, each party can appoint their own surveyor, who, if they cannot agree, jointly appoints a third surveyor. Faulkners can act as the Agreed Surveyor or as your dedicated surveyor, depending on what suits your situation.
 
What is a Schedule Of Condition?
 
A Schedule of Condition is a photographic and written record of the state of a neighbouring property before any work begins. It documents existing cracks, defects, and finishes, providing a clear baseline. This protects both parties — if damage occurs during construction, the Schedule proves what was pre-existing and what was caused by the works.
 
Costs & timescales
 
Who pays for the party wall surveyor?
 
In most cases, the building owner (the person carrying out the work) pays the surveyor’s fees for both sides. This includes the cost of the neighbouring owner’s surveyor if they appoint one. It’s considered fair because the building owner is the party instigating the work. Faulkners is known for being cost-effective without compromising on quality or service.
 
How long does the party wall process take?
 
If your neighbour consents promptly, the process can be completed within a few weeks. If they dissent or don’t respond, you must allow the statutory notice period (one to two months, depending on work type), after which an award is prepared. Faulkner moves efficiently and communicates clearly throughout, helping avoid unnecessary delays to your project timeline.
 
What happens if I start work without serving a notice?
 
Starting work without following the correct process is unlawful under the Party Wall Act. Your neighbour can seek an injunction to halt the works, and a court may order you to remove what has been built or pay damages. You could also be required to cover the cost of both parties’ surveyors in any subsequent dispute. Instructing Faulkners at the outset avoids all of this risk.
What Faulkner Surveyors Clients Say​
"We wanted to remove a chimney breast from our property - our architect recommended Faulkners, and they were amazing. We had all the correct paperwork in place quickly and made sure ourselves and neighbours were all covered"
Isabell
Oxford
"We wanted to convert our loft, Faulkners were so helpful, we were able to get all planning permissions through, and our neighbours were happy as well. It was a great, fast, cost-effective service."
Francis
Barnstaple
"We were landscaping our garden, and over time, the fences had moved. We want to ensure we're working within our boundaries. Faulkner Surveyors were fantastic, and both my neighbours and I are really pleased"
Mark
Andover