At UNEK Building Consultants, our experienced Party Wall Surveyors provide clear, professional advice and assistance in meeting your obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Whether you're undertaking residential or commercial construction, our team is here to ensure you remain compliant, avoid disputes, and where disputes are unavoidable, to reach amicable agreement with adjoining (neighbouring) owners.
Notifiable Construction Works
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to a range of construction activities where a property owner intends to carry out work that could affect a shared wall or a neighbour’s property. You are legally required to serve a Party Wall Noticebefore commencing the following types of work:
Section 3 (Party Structure) Notice – Works directly affecting a party wall, floor, ceiling (party structure), or party fence wall (e.g., shared garden wall).
Section 6 (Adjacent Excavation) Notice – Excavation within 6 metres of a neighbouring structure, depending on the depth and proximity.
Section 1 (Line of Junction) Notice – Construction of new walls up to or astride the boundary line separating two properties.
Not serving valid notice may lead to legal action or work delays, which is why timely professional advice is essential.
What Are the Party Wall Surveying Procedures?
Once notice has been served and responded to, the formal party wall procedures begin. These include:
A Surveyor Review & Service of Notices - We begin by reviewing your proposed works—including architectural drawings, structural details, and method statements. We then prepare and serve formal notices to all affected adjoining owners.
Schedule of Condition Report - A detailed photographic and written inspection of the adjoining owner's property is carried out prior to works commencing. This document records the existing condition of relevant areas and serves as reference in the event of a damage claim.
Party Wall Award - A formal legal document is prepared by the appointed surveyor(s), outlining the scope of work, access arrangements, working hours, risk mitigation, dispute procedures, and the contractor’s responsibilities. The Award must be agreed and served before work begins.
Check-Off Inspection - Following completion of notifiable works, a final inspection of the adjoining owner’s property is undertaken to compare it with the original Schedule of Condition. Any changes or damage are documented, and we assist in facilitating necessary repairs or compensation.
Why Choose UNEK Building Consultants?
Our Party Wall Surveyors are professionally accredited by industry-leading institutions such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). We are committed to:
✅ Providing impartial, expert advice throughout the process
✅ Tailoring our service to meet your project’s needs
✅ Minimising delays, disputes, and unnecessary costs
✅ Supporting both Building Owners and Adjoining Owners with transparency and care
Whether you’re planning an extension, a basement conversion, or other qualifying work, UNEK is ready to help you move forward confidently. If you’re unsure whether your project falls under the Party Wall Act, or would like to request a fixed-fee quote for our surveying services, simply complete the enquiry form below. One of our dedicated specialists will be in touch to assist you with expert advice and next steps.
Memberships & Qualifications
Our Building Consultants and Chartered Construction Managers are degree qualified, highly experienced and include members of industry-leading professional organisations such as The Chartered Institute of Building, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, The Pyramus & Thisbe Society and The Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, demonstrating our level of competence and professionalism within the firm.
Our Party Wall Surveyors include members of
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
The Pyramus & Thisbe Society
The Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors
