FAQS Crawley - Most Commonly asked questions answered.

Party Wall FAQs Answered

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Faulkner Surveyors FAQs Crawley

Here we answer the most commonly asked questions.

If you need more information or have other questions, contact us below and request a callback!

FAQs Crawley - Commonly Asked Questions Answered:

My neighbour has started building work but hasn’t notified me. What can I do?

If your neighbour begins work that falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and has not served a formal notice, they are acting outside the law. You are entitled to take action to stop the works if they may affect your property.

The usual remedy is to apply to the County Court for an injunction.
A judge will consider the situation, and you may be required to give a cross-undertaking in costs — meaning that if it turns out the works were lawful, you may be responsible for the neighbour’s costs.

Because of this, always seek legal advice before pursuing an injunction.

When does the Party Wall Act apply?

The Act covers three main categories:

1. Building on or up to the boundary between two properties
2. Excavating within certain distances of a neighbouring structure
3. Cutting into, altering or affecting a shared (party) wall or structure

Examples of notifiable works include:

* Cutting into a party wall to insert steel beams (e.g., for a loft conversion)
* Excavating within 3 metres of a neighbour’s foundations for an extension
* Building a new wall on the boundary
* Removing chimney breasts attached to the party wall

Are Party Wall Agreements mandatory?

If your project includes structural work to a shared wall, boundary wall or floor/ceiling between flats, you must serve written Party Wall Notices to your neighbour(s).

While the Act does not provide a criminal penalty for failing to serve notice, your neighbour can apply to the court for an injunction to stop your works. They may also pursue legal action for damages.

Serving notice correctly protects you.

Who pays for Party Wall Surveyor fees?

In most cases, the Building Owner (the person carrying out the works) pays all Faulkner Surveyors fees — including:

* Their own surveyor
* The Adjoining Owner’s surveyor
* The cost of preparing the Award and the schedule of conditions

The exception:
If the work is required due to the neighbour’s defect or disrepair, the surveyors may allocate costs differently.

What building works are covered by the Party Wall Act?

The Act covers:

* New walls built on or up to the boundary
* Changes to an existing party wall (raising, lowering, thickening, cutting into it)
* Removing chimney breasts from a shared wall
* Demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
* Excavations deeper than the neighbour’s foundations within 3 or 6 metres
* Any work that could affect the structural support of a party wall

If you’re unsure, our Faulkner Surveyors can confirm whether your project is notifiable.

What if I want to excavate near my neighbour’s property?

If your planned excavation is:

* Within 3 metres of your neighbour’s foundations and deeper than their foundations →
You must serve a Section 6(1) notice.
* Within 6 metres of your neighbour’s foundations and below a 45° line drawn from their foundation level →
You must serve a Section 6(2) notice.

You can serve these notices yourself, but most homeowners choose a surveyor to ensure they are valid and legally compliant.

What is the Party Wall etc Act 1996?

The Party Wall etc. The 1996 Act is a UK law that covers work affecting shared or boundary walls and nearby excavations. It creates a clear process to protect everyone and avoid disputes. If your project is covered, you must formally notify your neighbours before work starts.

What types of work require a party wall notice?

A wide range of common home improvement works require a notice, including:

Loft conversions that involve the party wall
Single- or double-storey rear extensions
Removal of a chimney breast on a shared wall
Basement conversions or underpinning works
Raising the height of a party wall
Excavations within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure (at a depth below their foundations)
Excavations within 6 metres at a depth cutting below a 45-degree line from their foundations
Any structural alteration to or near a shared boundary wall

Unsure if your project qualifies?

Call us now for free expert advice.

What happens if I start work without serving a notice?

Starting work without serving notice breaks the law. Your neighbour can seek a court injunction, and you may be liable for their costs. Proper notice from the start protects you and helps keep your project on track.

Who pays the party wall surveyor’s fees?

Usually, the building owner pays for both surveyors’ fees, since they begin the work. When it’s for repairs or defects, who pays depends on who is responsible for that issue.

Are your fees transparent with no hidden costs?

Yes. We offer clear, fixed fees with no hidden costs. Our prices are competitive, and our full fee structure is on our website.

How long does the party wall process take?

If your neighbour consents, the process may finish in weeks. If not, or if they don’t reply in 14 days, the legal process takes one to two months, depending on the work, after which an Award is issued. We work efficiently to minimise delays.

What is a Party Wall Award?

A Party Wall Award is a binding document by the surveyor(s) that lists each party’s rights and responsibilities, permitted works, current property condition, and compensation steps. It protects all parties.

What is a Schedule of Condition, and why do I need one?

A Schedule of Condition is a detailed record of your neighbour’s property before work begins. It’s vital evidence if there’s a damage claim after the works, making disputes easier to resolve.

Do I need my own surveyor, or can one surveyor act for both parties?

Both parties can agree on one impartial “Agreed Surveyor”, often the most cost-effective choice. Otherwise, each chooses their own surveyor. If surveyors disagree, a third one decides. We can advise you on the best option.

My neighbour is carrying out work but hasn’t notified me. What can I do?

If your neighbour is working on a shared wall without notifying you, they’re breaking the law. You can apply to the court to stop the works. Contact us for advice and urgent help.

What if my neighbour refuses to engage or consent?

If your neighbour doesn’t respond within 14 days, this counts as dissent. A surveyor is appointed, and your project can continue once the Award is prepared. We can guide you through the process.

What happens if my work damages my neighbour’s property?

If damage occurs, the Act provides a compensation process that uses the Schedule of Condition as evidence. The surveyor determines responsibility and compensation. This is why a formal agreement is so important.

What other surveying services do you offer beyond party wall work?

We offer a full range of property surveying services, including:

Structural surveys for house purchases
Structural steel calculations (Building Regulations compliant)
Boundary surveys to confirm the extent of your land
Structural reports on issues such as cracking, subsidence, or damp
Schedule of Condition reports for neighbouring properties

How quickly can you turn around a survey or report?

We move as quickly as needed. A full structural survey in the UK, also known as a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, usually costs an average of £800, with prices ranging from £445 to £1,353, according to Compare My Move.

What areas do you cover?

Our services are available across much of England, including Hampshire, London, the Home Counties, and specific locations such as Basingstoke, Oxford, Wembley, Bexley, Welling, and Hoddesdon. You can contact them to confirm if your location is included.

How do I get started — what’s the first step?

Call us or request a website callback. We’ll clearly explain the next steps, handle paperwork, and guide you and your neighbours throughout. Most clients find the process much simpler than expected.