A Party Wall Award is a legal document, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of the Owner instigating the building works. A Party Wall Surveyor prepares a comprehensive, legally binding document, known as The Award, for the benefit of both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owners. The proposed works are carried out in the specified manner, and disputes that arise are resolved. The Party Wall etc Act 1996 covers the works to be carried out as described in the Award. The party responsible for the Building Owner is required to repair any damage caused by the party wall works to the Adjoining Property, and a schedule of conditions is typically provided. The neighbouring property’s condition is recorded in this document before any relevant works begin. The schedule of condition then acts as a point of reference, if the party wall works cause damage.

The Party Wall Award should typically includes the following information and details:

• Details of each of the relevant parties, their names, addresses etc. The Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner should include this.
• The date of when the original notices were served and under which section(s) of the Act
• The details of the party wall surveyors appointed by the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner should be included.
• Reference and confirmation of the third surveyor should be included, who is the surveyor who will be engaged should a dispute arise (if two surveyors are appointed).
• A brief summary of the scope of works which is relevant to the Party Wall Award should be included.
• Confirmation that all works will be carried out and no deviation from the works.
• A timescale for when the works should commence and conclude should be included.
• Confirmation should be of the relevant fees and who is responsible for paying the fees and construction costs.
• Appended documents: Schedule of Condition Report, drawings, etc.

The Award provides the Building Owner with the right to proceed with the proposed works under the Party Wall Act, whilst also ensuring the works are carried out in such a way that protects the interests of the Adjoining Owners. The Award also gives details of the building contractor and agreed access and working hours. A Party Wall Agreement is sometimes referred to as The Award.