Party walls, leases and neighbours, answered plainly.

Work to shared walls, boundaries or nearby excavations can trigger the Party Wall Act.

We review the actual scope and its relationship to adjoining structures before work starts.

Next We give the surveyor your drawings and neighbour details early.

The notice period depends on the type of notifiable work.

Our surveyor confirms the notices, recipients and dates. A friendly conversation does not replace the formal process.

Next We build the confirmed notice periods into your programme.

No. Silence is not written consent under the Act.

The next step depends on the notice and the statutory procedure. Our surveyor manages that for you.

Next We track responses and advise on the correct next step.

No. Party wall procedures and planning permission deal with different matters.

Other approvals and property rights can still be relevant.

Next We track planning, building control and neighbour matters separately.

A schedule of condition records the visible condition of neighbouring areas before we start.

It is a useful reference if concerns arise later. It is not a promise that no movement will occur.

Next We agree the inspection scope and record any access limits.

Fee responsibility depends on the circumstances and the surveyors’ own determination.

We ask for an estimate and how extra time or changing drawings are handled.

Next We include an allowance for this in your overall budget.

Your lease may require landlord consent, and some work may be prohibited.

Council consent does not override your lease. We check the exact wording before you commit to a scheme.

Next We ask for your lease and the managing agent’s requirements.

Common requests include drawings, a specification, structural information, insurance and contractor details.

The exact requirements and any review fees depend on your lease and building.

Next We obtain the building’s works pack before design and programming.

It depends on structure, drainage, ventilation, acoustics and your lease.

We check any restrictions on wet areas or penetrations before the layout is fixed.

Next We review the service routes and landlord requirements together.

Never assume permission for scaffolding or access on a neighbour’s land.

We review access and oversailing on a property specific basis. Any necessary agreement is put in place before we rely on it.

Next We identify access needs early and advise on the right agreement.

We run a practical logistics plan covering protection, working hours, waste and deliveries.

That plan reflects any council, landlord or site restrictions that apply.

Next We tell neighbours who to contact and how concerns get recorded.

It depends on location, consent conditions and building rules.

We agree the permissible working schedule before we set programme expectations.

Next We confirm the site specific working hours for your project.

No. A private right to light and a planning daylight assessment are separate.

Planning approval does not resolve every private property issue.

Next We advise if you need specialist surveying and legal advice for your massing.

We never design around an assumed boundary that is in dispute.

We get title information and specialist advice first. Then we finalise the boundary sensitive proposal.

Next We resolve the extent of land and rights before tender.