Guidance
Party wall surveyors and the party wall award?
The appointment of party wall surveyors, and production of a party wall award, is only required when your neighbour has either directly dissented or deemed to have dissented to your notice (by not responding).
The role of the surveyor or surveyors is to resolve the dispute that has arisen and authorise the works by producing a 'party wall award'. The award is a legal document prepared by the appointed surveyor(s) which resolves the dispute and normally includes the following:
- Details of the work to be completed.
- Stipulates how and when the work is to be carried out.
- Specifies any additional work required (for example protection to prevent damage)
- A record of the condition of the adjoining property before the work begins (so that any damage to the adjoining land or buildings can be made good).
- Allows access for the surveyor(s) to inspect the works, or for you to access your neighbour's land where required to undertake your notifiable works.
The award will set out who pays the cost for producing the award (e.g. the surveyors fees), which in all normal circumstances will be the person proposing the works.
