Party Wall Awards
The Party Wall Act's mechanism for resolving disputes
Adjoining Owners can agree or disagree with what is proposed. Where they disagree, the Act provides a mechanism for resolving disputes, whereby surveyors are appointed to make an award.
An award will describe in detail the nature and extent of work that is to be carried out, measures to prevent unnecessary inconvenience, the working practices that are to be followed and the time period within which the works shall be commenced. In most cases the surveyor(s) will examine the proposed plans, check engineer’s calculations (where applicable) and make an assessment of the likely impact that the works may have on an Adjoining Owner’s property.
In order to assist with the identification of any damage that might occur, party wall surveyors will usually carry out a descriptive and photographic schedule of condition to those parts of an Adjoining Owner’s property, in close proximity of the proposed works, which shall act as a benchmark for cross reference purposes.
Can The Act Be Used To Resolve a Boundary Dispute?
No, but in many cases, the Act will prevent legal disputes arising in the first instance.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comprises 22 sections, all of which are very detailed and can be accessed by clicking here.
This site is intended to provide you with a general overview and insight into the Act, but is not an authoritative interpretation of the law. We offer free specialist advice regarding all party wall matters and we would be happy to discuss or answer any questions that you may have.
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Party Wall Advice
We pride ourselves in having the necessary experience in being able to competently deal with all types of party wall issues and have very efficient systems in place, which enable us to offer competitive fees, whilst at the same time maintaining the highest level of professionalism. For more information for owners please follow the links below.
A Building Owner is an owner of land who is desirous of exercising rights under the Act. Do you need to serve a notice under The Party Wall Act? If you are planning building works then a Notice may be necessary.
An Adjoining Owner is an occupier or owner of land, buildings, storeys or rooms adjoining those of the building owner and for the purposes only of section 6 within the distances specified in that section.
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
“We are architects who have used James on a number of projects. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly — we always feel assured with his involvement.”
Hannah Richmond · Google review
★★★★★
“James and the team were excellent. Our party wall review needed careful management and was handled professionally and efficiently.”
Ben Goodrich · Google review
★★★★★
“Thorough, responsive, all over the details and very patient with my questions.”
Juliet Adlington · Google review
★★★★★
“I don’t usually write reviews unless someone is outstanding and really deserves it — James was exactly that.”
Giles Allen · Google review
★★★★★
“High integrity, timely and value for money. James was steadfast in defending our best interests throughout an extremely difficult party wall process.”
Michael M · Google review
★★★★★
“Highly professional, efficient, impartial, objective, open-minded, realistic and most helpful.”
Richard · Google review
★★★★★
“Really happy with James and his team on a major residential project. He helped us reach an amicable solution with both of our neighbours in a timely fashion.”
Giles Beeby · Google review
★★★★★
“James and his team were timely, professional and diligent in managing our party wall agreement. Thank you!”
Will Moody · Google review
★★★★★
“We are architects who have used James on a number of projects. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly — we always feel assured with his involvement.”
Hannah Richmond · Google review
★★★★★
“James and the team were excellent. Our party wall review needed careful management and was handled professionally and efficiently.”
Ben Goodrich · Google review
★★★★★
“Thorough, responsive, all over the details and very patient with my questions.”
Juliet Adlington · Google review
★★★★★
“I don’t usually write reviews unless someone is outstanding and really deserves it — James was exactly that.”
Giles Allen · Google review
★★★★★
“High integrity, timely and value for money. James was steadfast in defending our best interests throughout an extremely difficult party wall process.”
Michael M · Google review
★★★★★
“Highly professional, efficient, impartial, objective, open-minded, realistic and most helpful.”
Richard · Google review
★★★★★
“Really happy with James and his team on a major residential project. He helped us reach an amicable solution with both of our neighbours in a timely fashion.”
Giles Beeby · Google review
★★★★★
“James and his team were timely, professional and diligent in managing our party wall agreement. Thank you!”
Will Moody · Google review
