The Role of a Party Wall Surveyor: What You Need to Know

HomeThe Role of a Party Wall Surveyor: What You Need to Know

It becomes important in the processes of construction and renovation, particularly when building works affect party walls, boundary walls, or excavations near adjacent properties. Understanding the role and responsibilities of a party wall surveyor will make it easier for property owners to navigate the complexities of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Here is all you need to know about the role of a party wall surveyor.

Party Wall Surveyor
Party Wall Surveyor

What is a Party Wall Surveyor?

A party wall surveyor is an independent expert in the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 appointed specially to ensure that the building works comply with the Act and to arbitrate between parties with respect to party walls, boundary walls, and excavations.

Main Responsibilities

Service and Response of Notices: The primary responsibilities of a party wall surveyor also concern aiding the owners in serving and responding to party wall notices. This also involves ensuring that notices are correctly drafted, served on time, and contain all the information required.

Schedules of Condition: The surveyor will often prepare a Schedule of Condition before the works start, recording the condition of the adjoining property. This acts as reference when one suspects damage has occurred during the construction process.

Party Wall Disputes

In the event of disputes, the party wall surveyor resolves them amicably. The kind of works suggested, the assessment of their possible impacts, and working in an agreed manner will be taken into consideration to protect both parties’ interests.

Drawing up Party Wall Awards

The surveyor will be involved in the drawing up of a Party Wall Award, which is a legal document setting out the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Stating the work proposed, and mentioning any precautions that may be necessary to safeguard adjoining properties. The award is binding and prevents further disputes.

Work Monitoring: Even monitoring the work being done can be engaged in by the surveyor. So that it is in accordance with and within the terms specified in the Party Wall Award. They will check if all the agreed precautionary methods to protect the adjacent properties are accurately followed.

When to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor

You should engage a party wall surveyor in cases where:

  • You are about to undertake works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
  • You’ve been served a party wall notice by an adjacent owner and you have a concern over the proposed works.
  • A dispute has arisen in regard to party wall matters.
Benefits of Using a Party Wall Surveyor

Impartiality: It is the duty call of a party wall surveyor to act impartially. Thus, this allows for equitable treatment for both building and adjoining owners.
Expertise: Surveyors hold in-depth knowledge of the Party Wall Act and are able to navigate through its complexities with ease for compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to ensure the protection of property interests.

Dispute Resolution

Surveyors are conversant with the conduct of dispute resolution. Such as this will assist the parties in avoiding protracted and costly litigation.

Legal Protection: An award under the party wall gives legal protection for both parties since their respective rights and duties of each party are spelled out, and thus it does help in steering clear of future conflict.