Adjoining Owner Surveys
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Locations:
Company : Survey of Party Wall
Contact : (+44) 741 449 4409
Email : info@surveyofpartywall.co.uk
Service Summary
An Adjoining Owner Survey is a protective service for homeowners whose neighbours are undertaking construction work covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. By appointing an impartial, qualified surveyor, you secure expert advocacy to safeguard your property and assert your legal rights.
Objectives
- Prevent structural damage
- Enforce your legal rights
- Obtain expert, impartial oversight
- Document property condition pre-construction
- Ensure safe, compliant work
Tools & Methods Used
- Photographic pre-work report
- Legal governing agreement
- Risk assessment of construction methods
- Compliance monitoring during work
Protecting Your Home with Qualified Party Wall Surveyors in London
If your neighbour is planning construction work such as an extension, loft conversion, or basement excavation, you may receive a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. As the Adjoining Owner, you have clear legal rights. One of the most effective ways to protect your property and ensure fairness is by appointing a professional Party Wall Surveyor in London to carry out an Adjoining Owner Survey.
Our impartial experts ensure your property is safeguarded, risks are properly assessed, and your legal rights are fully respected throughout the process.
What is an Adjoining Owner Survey?
An Adjoining Owner Survey is a formal inspection and advisory process undertaken on behalf of the neighbouring property owner — you — when works are carried out next door. Its purpose is to protect your property, identify potential risks, and document existing conditions.
This service is particularly valuable if:
- You are uncertain how the works may affect your property
- You notice cracks, vibrations, or early signs of movement
- You want a Schedule of Condition to legally record your home’s current state
- You require reassurance that the works are carried out safely and properly
By appointing a qualified Party Wall Surveyor, you secure both peace of mind and legal protection.
What Does the Surveyor Do for You?
A professional Party Wall Surveyor acting for the Adjoining Owner has a duty to remain impartial.
Their responsibilities typically include:
- Reviewing the proposed construction plans and method statements
- Preparing a Schedule of Condition of your property
- Ensuring works are carried out with minimal risk to your home
- Agreeing the terms of the Party Wall Award
- Monitoring compliance with the agreed terms
- Advising on and helping resolve disputes or claims for damage
- Acting impartially and within the requirements of the law
Although appointed by you, the surveyor is bound to remain fair — which strengthens the legal validity of their findings.
What If You Do Nothing?
Many property owners are unaware that ignoring a Party Wall Notice is not a neutral act. By law, your silence is taken as dissent, and a dispute is automatically triggered. In this situation, the Building Owner appoints a surveyor for you — often at their expense — but you lose the right to choose your own representation.
By appointing your own surveyor, you:
- Retain a voice in decisions affecting your property
- Gain impartial advice and representation
- Secure a legally recognised Schedule of Condition
- Stay informed and involved throughout the entire process
Common Works That May Affect Adjoining Owners
You may wish to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor if your neighbour’s works involve:
- Constructing an extension near or up to the boundary line
- Cutting into, raising, or demolishing a shared party wall
- Excavating within close range of your foundations
- Removing chimney breasts or altering load-bearing structures
- Installing steel beams into a shared wall
- Any structural modification to a wall you jointly own
Benefits of an Adjoining Owner Survey
Appointing a surveyor ensures that your property and rights are fully protected:
- Independent protection from construction damage
- Legally binding documentation if issues arise
- Full compliance with the Party Wall Act 1996
- Assurance that works are professionally monitored
- Costs are usually paid by the Building Owner
Your Legal Rights as an Adjoining Owner
The law is designed to protect you. You are under no obligation to accept proposed works without question.
By appointing a Party Wall Surveyor, you:
- Gain clarity on the scope and risks of the works
- Ensure fair terms within the Party Wall Agreement
- Receive expert guidance from one of the best Party Wall Surveyors in London
- Secure both legal compliance and peace of mind
Need Help from an Adjoining Owner Surveyor in London?
Our experienced team of Party Wall Surveyors in London provide affordable Party Wall services, ensuring your project remains compliant, neighbourly, and on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an Adjoining Owner Survey and a Party Wall Agreement?
An Adjoining Owner Survey documents your property’s condition and reviews your neighbour’s proposed works. A Party Wall Agreement (also known as the Party Wall Award) sets the legal terms under which the works proceed.
Who pays for the Adjoining Owner Survey?
In most cases, the Building Owner initiating the works covers the surveyor’s costs, including those for the Adjoining Owner’s survey.
Is it risky to ignore a Party Wall Notice?
Yes. If you ignore the notice, the law treats your silence as dissent, and a dispute is assumed. The Building Owner may then appoint a surveyor for you, removing your right to choose your own.
Can I stop my neighbour’s construction works?
You cannot prevent lawful works, but you can appoint a surveyor to ensure they are carried out safely, fairly, and in line with the Party Wall Act.
How quickly can an Adjoining Owner Survey be arranged?
Most surveys can be arranged within a few days of receiving a Party Wall Notice, ensuring your rights are protected without delays.
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