Bristol Party Wall SURVEYOR

Party Wall Notices

Backed by Real Construction Experience

The first step under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996

A Party Wall Notice is usually the starting point when proposed building works affect a neighbouring property. In many cases, serving a correct notice is all that’s required for works to proceed lawfully.

I prepare and serve fully compliant Party Wall Notices for domestic and commercial projects across England, ensuring they meet the legal requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and are served on the correct adjoining owners.

Choose the level of service you need:

£195 – preparation and service of a straightforward Party Wall Notice, without a site visit.
£295 – preparation and service of a straightforward Party Wall Notice, including a site visit.

£ 195.00

Review of your proposed works
Preparation of the appropriate Party Wall Notice
Notice served on one neighbouring property
Guidance on what happens next

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When a Party Wall Notice is required

Party Wall Notices are typically needed for works such as:

If a neighbour consents, no Party Wall Award is needed, and work can proceed once the notice period has passed.

Why using a professional matters

Incorrect or incomplete notices can cause:

Invalid notices
Unnecessary disputes
Project delays
Avoidable surveyor costs

By using a professionally prepared notice, you reduce risk and keep your project on track from the outset.

If a neighbour dissents:

If an adjoining owner dissents – or does not respond within 14 days – the matter moves into dispute under the Act. At that point, a Party Wall Award will be required.

If you’re unsure whether a notice is required or which type applies, I’m happy to advise before anything is served.

Can I serve my own Party Wall Notice?

Yes, you can serve your own Party Wall Notice, and the Government provides guidance and example forms online. However, the notice must be completed and served correctly. It must identify the parties and properties accurately, describe the proposed works sufficiently and refer to the correct provisions of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

In my experience, I am often appointed after an owner has attempted to serve their own notice, only to find that it needs to be served again because it is incomplete or invalid. An invalid notice may not properly engage the statutory procedures under the Act, which can cause delay – particularly if the adjoining owner dissents or a dispute arises.

If you decide to serve the notice yourself, please follow the Government guidance carefully and ensure that all the required information is included.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a Party Wall Agreement and a Party Wall Award?

Although people often use the terms Party Wall Agreement and Party Wall Award as if they’re the same thing, they actually refer to different stages of the Party Wall process

A “Party Wall Agreement” is an informal term people use conversationally.

The correct legal document under the Act is the Party Wall Award, produced by a surveyor after a neighbour consents or dissents.

The simple way to understand it:

Agreement → neighbour says “yes” voluntarily, no surveyor involvement.

Award → produced by surveyor(s) when consent isn’t given, formal legal protection for both sides.

What is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal written notice you must serve on your neighbour before carrying out certain types of building work. It explains what you intend to do and triggers their right to respond, consent or dissent.

What happens if my neighbour doesn’t respond?

If your neighbour doesn’t reply within 14 days, the law treats their silence as a dissent. This means surveyors must be appointed and a Party Wall Award prepared before work can begin.

Read our guide: What To Do If Your Neighbour Dissents

Do I need a Party Wall Notice for internal work?

You may do, depending on the type of work. Cutting into a shared wall (for steel beams, chimney removal, or extensions) does require a notice, even if all work is internal.

What types of work require a Party Wall Notice?

Typical examples include:

extensions
loft conversions
steel beam installation
chimney breast removal
excavations near a neighbour’s property
damp-proofing that affects a party wall

If you’re unsure, Bristol Party Wall can confirm for you.

Who pays?

In most cases, the Building Owner (the person doing the works) pays the surveyors’ fees, including the adjoining owner’s surveyor if they appoint their own.

How long does the Party Wall process take?

Typical timelines:

Notices: 14 days for neighbours to respond
Surveying / Award: 1–6 weeks depending on complexity
Faster if both parties agree to an agreed surveyor

Can I start work before the Party Wall Award is agreed?

No, not legally. Work can only begin once an Award is in place and has been served on all parties.

What is an “Agreed Surveyor”?

Both owners can appoint a single, impartial surveyor (often me) to act for both sides. This is usually quicker and more cost-effective than appointing two surveyors.

Can my neighbour stop my project completely?

Very rarely. The Act is designed to allow your project to proceed safely and fairly. happen.

What if a dispute happens during the works?

The Party Wall Award includes procedures to resolve disputes. If needed, the surveyor can make further decisions (known as “Further Awards”).

What happens if damage occurs to my neighbour’s property?

The Award sets out how damage should be made good. Usually the Building Owner pays for repairs, either by organising the work or compensating the neighbour.

Can Bristol Party Wall serve notices for me?

Yes, Bristol Party Wall can:

prepare and serve all Party Wall Notices
act as the Building Owner’s Surveyor
act as the Agreed Surveyor for both parties
produce Schedules of Condition
prepare the Party Wall Award.

Discuss your project

Have a question about party wall matters or want to arrange an initial consultation?

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