Faulkner Surveyors

Party Wall Building Works Thame

When planning any structural changes that affect a shared or adjoining wall, you need more than just a builder—you need a qualified, reliable party wall surveyor who understands the local area.

At Faulkner Surveyors, we specialise in Party Wall Building Works Thame, offering expert advice and hands-on support tailored to your specific property and project.

Which party wall Building Works Thame Trigger the Party Wall Act?

In Thame, where many homes are closely built or share boundary walls, it’s essential to know when your project falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This law is in place to protect both you and your neighbours when party wall building works Thame affect shared or adjoining structures.

You may need to serve notice under the Act if you’re:

1. Carrying out structural changes to a shared (party) wall

2. Building a new wall on or near the boundary line

3. Excavating foundations close to a neighbouring property

These situations are common in projects like extensions, loft conversions, and internal renovations.

The Act ensures all parties are properly informed and gives neighbours a chance to consent or appoint a surveyor.

At Faulkner Surveyors, we provide clear guidance and handle the legal side of party wall matters from start to finish. As trusted, local specialists in Party Wall Building Works Thame, we’ll ensure your work is fully compliant—while keeping neighbourly relationships intact.

If you’re unsure whether your plans require a Party Wall Notice, speak to our expert team today. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Who Pays for the Party Wall Surveyor – You or Your Neighbour?

Most of the time, the person who is doing the party wall building work Thame is the one who pays the party wall surveyor fees.

This means they pay for their own expert, and if their neighbour also needs one, they pay for that as well. You can read more about this for their neighbour.

This is because the work is for you, so the law says you have to take care of it as the building owner. If your neighbour gets their own surveyor, you will most often have to pay for their costs as well.

However, if your neighbour needs more help or extra services that are not part of the works, they may have to pay for that on their own.

At Faulkner Surveyors, we make things easy for you. From the very beginning, we explain the costs, so you know what to expect. There will not be any surprises for you or the other party.

No matter if you just start planning or you need help right now, we are here to help you. You can feel sure and move ahead when you work with us.

Want to Know More? 03300100262

What Are Your Rights If Your Neighbour Refuses Consent for Party Wall Works Thame?

It’s not uncommon for neighbours to refuse consent when served with a Party Wall Notice—especially if they’re unsure what the works involve. But don’t worry.

If you’re planning legal party wall building works Thame and your neighbour says no, you still have the right to continue—just through a slightly more formal route.

Once consent is refused, the matter is considered “in dispute” under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This doesn’t mean conflict—it simply means that:

A party wall surveyor must now be appointed by both you and your neighbour (or one agreed surveyor can act for both).
The surveyor(s) will assess your plans, inspect both properties if needed, and make an independent decision.
This decision comes in the form of a Party Wall Award—a legally binding document that sets out how the work can go ahead safely and fairly.
The surveyors will also include protections for both sides, including access rights and working hours.

So, while a neighbour’s refusal may feel like a setback, it’s just part of the legal process.

It ensures everyone’s rights are respected and that your building project doesn’t come to a standstill.

At Faulkner Surveyors, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Thame move forward confidently—even when initial consent wasn’t given.

We handle everything with care, clarity, and full legal compliance, so you can focus on your project without unnecessary stress.

Can Party Wall Awards Include Access Rights for Builders in Thame?

Yes, a Party Wall Award can include access rights for your builders, especially if temporary entry to your neighbour’s land is needed to carry out the work safely and properly.

This is particularly common in Thame, where homes are often closely positioned and access may be limited.

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if your project requires access to your neighbour’s land (for example, to put up scaffolding or carry out repairs on a party wall), the appointed surveyor(s) can include these rights in the final Party Wall Award.

This access is:

Need help handling party wall access issues in Thame? Get in touch with our friendly, experienced team today.

What Is the Timeline for Serving Party Wall Notices, Getting Responses, and Proceeding With Work in Thame?

If you’re planning party wall building works Thame that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, timing is crucial. Serving notices, allowing for responses, and managing surveyor appointments all take time—and starting too late could delay your project.

Here’s how the typical timeline works:

Serve the Notice:

You must serve a formal Party Wall Notice to your neighbour at least 1 or 2 months before work starts, depending on the type of work:

1 month for line of junction (boundary wall) work

2 months for party wall or excavation work

Waiting for a Response:

Once served, your neighbour has 14 days to respond. They can consent, refuse, or ignore the notice.

If There’s No Consent:

If they dissent or don’t reply, a dispute is deemed to have arisen, and surveyors must be appointed.

This leads to the preparation of a Party Wall Award, which typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity and cooperation.

Work Can Start:

You can begin work once the award is served—and not before. Starting early without agreement can lead to legal issues or delays.

We recommend planning ahead and serving notices early—especially for spring and summer projects in Thame, when surveyors and builders are in high demand. We help ensure your timeline stays on track with clear advice and efficient service.