Jason Edworthy Party wall Surveyor Hampshire

Are you getting ready to do building work close to a shared wall or the edge of your land?

Getting through the rules of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can feel hard for many people. Homeowners, builders, and neighbors may all find it tricky to know what to do and when to do it.

At Jason Edworthy, we focus on giving you clear and expert advice. We make sure your project goes well and follows the law.

What structures are considered under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?

1. Party Walls

Party walls are the walls that are shared between two homes. These walls often sit on the line between the two properties. You can usually find them in semi-detached or terraced houses. Both neighbours own these shared walls. The law applies to these walls whether the wall is right on the boundary or if it is on one side but also used by the other person.

2. Party Structures

These are about the things that split up different parts inside a building, like the floors or ceilings between two flats or apartments. If there is a wall or floor that stands between two units, it counts as a shared structure under the Act. This means if you want to make any changes to these shared areas, you need to give a formal notice.

3. Boundary Walls

Walls built right on the line that separates two properties—the “line of junction”—are included under the Act. These can be garden or yard walls made of brick, stone, or other hard materials. But, lightweight wood fences are not covered.

4. Excavation Works Near Neighbouring Property

If you want to dig close to a neighbouring building, say within three metres, and the base of your building will be deeper than theirs, you have to let them know. You also need to tell them if you plan to dig within six metres and the work could reach the base of their building at a 45-degree angle.

5. Work on an Existing Party Wall

Any changes to how your party wall is built are part of the Act. The types of work that count include cutting into the wall, putting in steel beams, taking out chimney parts, or making the wall higher. If you add things like damp-proof layers or insulation and they change the wall in some way, like when you have work done for a loft extension, you may also need to get permission.

6. New Walls on the Boundary Line

If you want to build a new wall that goes up to or across the boundary you share with your neighbour, the law covers this. You have to give your neighbour a party wall notice. If you want the wall to go right on the boundary line, you will also need to get written permission from your neighbour.

How do I know if my planned work affects a party wall?

shared party wall between adjoining terraced houses Hampshire

Surveyor and adjoining owner discussing property boundaries Hampshire

Why Choose Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyor Hampshire?

Expertise: We have many years of experience. We know the details of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We make sure your project follows all legal rules. Our team also gives good professional advice and clear advice to our clients.
Impartiality: We act fairly and impartially, protecting the interests of both building and adjoining owners.
Efficiency: Our streamlined process minimizes delays, helping your project stay on schedule.
Clear Communication: We keep all parties informed at every stage, reducing misunderstandings and fostering good neighborly relations.

What are the responsibilities of a party wall surveyor Hampshire?

A party wall surveyor Hampshire plays a neutral and legally defined role in managing building work that affects shared walls, boundaries, or structures between properties. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all work is carried out fairly, safely, and legally—protecting the rights of both the building owner and the neighbour (known as the adjoining owner).

Here’s what they actually do in practice:

1. Impartial Assessment

A party wall surveyor Hampshire is legally required to be impartial—even if they’re hired by one party. Their job is not to “take sides,” but to fairly evaluate the proposed work and its impact on both properties. Their duty is to the Party Wall Act, not the individual appointing them.

2. Reviewing the Building Plans

They carefully review the proposed construction plans to determine whether the work falls under the Act and what aspects may affect the adjoining property. This helps define what level of protection or oversight is needed.

3. Serving or Responding to Notices

If hired early enough, the surveyor can help draft and serve the necessary party wall notices to adjoining neighbours. Alternatively, if a neighbour has received a notice and disputes it, the surveyor may be appointed to act on their behalf to protect their property.

4. Carrying Out a Schedule of Condition

One of the most important tasks is to inspect and record the condition of the adjoining property before work begins. This “schedule of condition” includes photographs and written notes that document any existing cracks, defects, or wear and tear—providing a baseline in case of disputes later.

5. Preparing the Party Wall Award

The surveyor drafts a legally binding Party Wall Award, detailing the approved work, how and when it should be done, builder access rights, damage prevention steps, working hours, and how the neighbouring property will be protected.

6. Monitoring the Work and Ensuring Compliance

While not always required, a party wall surveyor Hampshire may also visit the site during construction to ensure the terms of the award are being followed and to check that no damage is being caused to the neighbouring property.

7. Resolving Disputes

If a disagreement arises during or after the work—such as damage claims, access issues, or breaches of the award—the party wall surveyor Hampshire can investigate and help resolve the issue fairly. Their decision is legally binding unless appealed in court.

8. Coordinating with Other Surveyors

In some cases, each property owner may appoint their own surveyor. These surveyors must then work together to resolve disputes and agree on the Party Wall Award. If they can’t agree, a third surveyor (selected in advance) may be called in to make the final decision.

The Party Wall Process

What to expect step-by-step when planning work near a shared boundary Understanding the party wall process can save time, stress, and neighbour disputes. Whether you’re extending your home or building close to a boundary, here’s how the process typically unfolds under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996:

Check if the Act Applies

Before starting work, check if your project affects a shared wall, boundary, or involves excavation near a neighbour’s property.

If it does, the Party Wall Act applies.

Serve a Party Wall Notice

The building owner must serve written notice to the affected neighbour(s), outlining the planned work.

This must be done at least 1–2 months in advance.

Wait for the Neighbour’s Response

The neighbour can agree or disagree.

If they don't respond within 14 days, it’s treated as a dispute and surveyors need to be involved.

Appoint Party Wall Surveyor Hampshire

Each side can appoint their own surveyor or agree on one.

The surveyor(s) will act impartially to protect both parties' interests.

Receive the Party Wall Award

The surveyor(s) prepare a Party Wall Award, detailing how the work will be carried out,

and any protections for the neighbour’s property.

Begin the Work

Once the award is in place, work can begin—but it must follow the terms set out.

Any damage must be repaired or compensated.

What if damage occurs to the neighbor's property during work Hampshire?

If damage happens, the schedule of condition that was made before the work can help show what is new. This makes it easier to see the changes and find out what happened.

The party wall surveyor Hampshire expert will look at the damage. They will check if the work was the cause. If it was, the person who owns the building will most likely have to fix it or pay for it.

We help sort out disputes in a fair way. In many cases, insurance takes care of these risks. Going to court is only used as a last step.

What happens if there's a dispute over costs?

When it comes to party wall issues, the building owner usually pays for everything, including the cost for the surveyors chosen by both them and their neighbor. But sometimes, people do not agree on the fees that surveyors ask for or on who should pay for which part.

Responsibility: The building owner is generally responsible for paying the surveyor fees since they are initiating the work.
Discuss and agree: It’s important for both parties to communicate early and try to agree on the expected costs to avoid misunderstandings.
If no agreement: If the neighbors and building owner can’t resolve the dispute themselves, the matter can be taken to court. A judge will then decide who should pay and how much.
Surveyor’s fairness: Surveyors are impartial professionals who aim to keep fees reasonable and reflect the amount of work involved.
Avoiding disputes: Choosing an experienced surveyor and discussing fees upfront can greatly reduce the chance of cost disagreements.