Faulkner Party Wall Surveyors Trowbridge
Are you planning building work near a shared wall or boundary?
We help homeowners and neighbors to navigate the legal process of the Party Wall Act, without stress, arguments, or confusion.
Whether you are putting in an extension, converting your loft, removing a chimney breast, or digging near another property, we make sure everything is done fairly and properly.
When Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyors Trowbridge?
It depends on what kind of building work you are planning. If your work affects a wall, boundary, or floor that’s shared with a neighbor, then yes, you’ll likely need us.
Here are a few common examples:
1. You are building an extension and need to dig near your neighbour’s foundations.
2. You are knocking through or cutting into a wall you share with another property.
3. You are making changes to a shared ceiling or floor (in flats or converted properties).
4. You are raising the height of a boundary wall or removing a chimney breast.
Even if your work is small the law say that you needs to inform your neighbour by serving a formal Party Wall Notice.
What Can Your Neighbour Do After Receiving Your Notice?
Once you serve a Party Wall Notice, your neighbour has 14 days to respond. During this time, they can take one of three actions:
- Give written consent – This means they’re happy for the work to go ahead. No surveyor is needed, and the process moves forward quickly.
- Disagree but agree to use one surveyor – If they’re unsure or have concerns, they can dissent (disagree) but allow you both to use a single impartial surveyor. This person will look out for the interests of both sides.
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor – They might prefer to appoint their own surveyor. You’ll then have two surveyors working together to draft the agreement.
If they don’t reply within the 14-day window, it’s considered an automatic dissent. This doesn’t block your work—but it does mean you’ll need to appoint a surveyor to move things forward legally and safely.
How Is a Party Wall Award Drafted and What Does It Cover?
The Party Wall Award is the formal document that lays out all the rules and details for the work going ahead. It’s created by the surveyor(s) after they’ve reviewed the property, building plans, and any concerns raised by either party.
Here’s what’s typically included in a Party Wall Award:
- A description of the work being carried out
- The agreed timeline and working hours
- Any restrictions (like avoiding work during weekends or at certain hours)
- Access rights for workers and contractors
- How to handle any accidental damage
- Who pays for the surveyor(s) and any extra inspections
- The Schedule of Condition
This document is legally binding. It gives both sides clear guidance and protection, ensuring there’s no confusion down the line.
What Happens During a Party Wall Survey and Schedule of Condition?
The Schedule of Condition might sound technical, but it’s really just a practical way to protect both you and your neighbour before any building work begins.
So, what actually happens during this process?
1. A Friendly Visit – We visit your neighbours property and check is their any existing issues like small cracks, signs of damp, or anything else.
2. Photos for Peace of Mind – They’ll take clear, detailed photos of the areas closest to your planned works. This provides a snapshot of how everything looked before the first tool is lifted.
3. Jotting Things Down – Any marks, damage, or quirks spotted during the visit are written down clearly—along with exactly where they are, so there’s no confusion later.
4. Sometimes Even a Quick Video – If needed, the surveyor might also take a short video to give an even better overview of the property’s current condition.
5. Everyone Gets a Copy – Once all that’s done, the findings are pulled together into a signed report. Both you and your neighbour get a copy, so if any questions come up later, you’ve both got something solid to refer to.
Can a Party Wall Award Prevent Damage or Disputes?
Yes party wall award can prevent you for a damage or disputes.
In fact, that’s one of the main reasons it exists. Think of it like a safety net—it sets clear ground rules before any work even begins.
When everything’s agreed upfront and written down, there’s much less chance of misunderstandings later on.
If both you and your neighbour have signed off on the details, you’re both on the same page.
And if something unexpected happens—like a crack appears or damage turns up next door—we can refer back to the Award and the Schedule of Condition.
It gives us something solid to work with and helps get things sorted fairly and quickly.
Without it, even small issues can spiral into big disagreements or legal trouble. But with the proper Party Wall Award we control every things involved.