What does a party wall surveyor at Westville Associates do?

Westville Associates provides impartial party wall surveying for both building owners and adjoining owners under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The team advises on when the Act applies, serves and responds to Party Wall Notices, prepares detailed Schedules of Condition and produces Party Wall Awards that set out how notifiable works are to be carried out, helping to prevent and resolve disputes while protecting each owner’s property.

What party wall services are offered?

Services include preparing and serving Party Wall Notices, advising on neighbour responses, acting for building owners or adjoining owners, undertaking Schedules of Condition, producing Party Wall Awards, mediating disagreements and advising on boundary issues. Westville Associates can assist with new boundary walls, work to existing party walls and notifiable excavations near a neighbour’s foundations.

How does the party wall process work?

The typical process starts with serving the correct Party Wall Notice for the proposed works. Neighbours then have a set period to consent or dissent. If they dissent or fail to respond, surveyors are appointed to review the proposals, record the adjoining property’s condition and agree a Party Wall Award that controls how and when the work is carried out and how any damage will be made good. Westville Associates guides clients through every step so the process stays clear and compliant with the Act.

How much does a party wall surveyor cost?

Westville Associates offers competitive fixed fees with no hidden extras for travel, parking or photocopying. As a general guide from their cost pages, a single party wall surveyor acting for both owners will typically cost from around £900 to £2,700 depending on the project, while using two surveyors can range from about £1,800 to £5,400. Exact fees depend on the complexity and scope of the works, and a tailored quote is provided in advance.

Who usually pays for the party wall surveyor?

Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the building owner who is carrying out the notifiable works normally pays the reasonable fees of the party wall surveyor or surveyors, because they are the party benefiting from the works. Westville Associates will explain how cost responsibility works in your specific situation and how fees are dealt with in the Party Wall Award.

Do you offer free initial advice on party wall matters?

Yes. Westville Associates offers a free, no-obligation consultation, typically a 15-minute call, to discuss your project, explain whether the Party Wall Act applies and outline your options. This allows homeowners, architects and property professionals to understand their obligations and likely next steps before committing to full party wall services.

How do I get started with a party wall surveyor?

You can start by requesting a quote or a free consultation via the online form on the Westville Associates website, by using LiveChat, or by calling 07834 761 411 or 01932 864375. A named surveyor will then talk you through the Party Wall process, confirm whether notices are needed and set out a clear, fixed fee for handling your party wall matter from start to finish.

Party Wall Surveyors Near Me

Party wall surveyors in Surrey

Q: Which areas do Westville’s party wall surveyors cover?

Westville Associates is a local Surrey practice working primarily across Surrey, London and neighbouring counties. The firm regularly acts on projects in Cobham, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Camberley, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Surrey Heath, Woking, Waverley and surrounding areas, and can advise on party wall matters anywhere in England and Wales under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Operating strictly within Surrey and neighbouring counties, our property consultants and surveyors specialise in Party Wall matters.

Prepare and Serve Party Wall Notices
New boundary walls
Work to a party wall
Excavation Notices
Third Party Surveyor Services
Undertaking Schedules of Condition
Producing Party Wall Awards

10+ years experience in Surrey

Planning work that could affect a shared wall or boundary?

Undertaking renovation work that invokes the Party Wall Act?
Neighbour informed you of action that invokes the Act?
Planning building work, and your neighbour can’t agree on the details?
Neighbour not respond to your notice within 16 days?
Have no written consent to complete works?

Then, you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement.

For any terraced or semi-detached property, owners must follow certain rules when planning to excavate deeper than a neighbour’s foundation or when planning to make changes on or near a party wall. Notice must be provided in writing, and consent must be given before proceeding.

1 in 5 home renovation projects (20%) involving shared walls result in a dispute that requires a party wall surveyor’s intervention.

We are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors.

Westville Associates can help

Protecting your home

Working with Westville Associates means you’ll gain essential access to experienced surveyors who can provide expert guidance on all party wall matters, whether concerning disputes over a traditional shared wall or an exposed flank wall that requires structural considerations.

We have expert knowledge to help you navigate the legislation around Party Wall awards and agreements to avoid disputes.

At Westville Associates, we have helped hundreds of owners form legitimate, standing Party Wall agreements that authorise works covered by the Party Wall Act 1996.

Our services are regularly engaged in projects throughout Cobham, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, Camberley, Guildford, Reigate & Banstead, Surrey Heath, Woking, Waverley, and so many more local areas.

Our service offers a fast and efficient notice, awards, and agreements process that protects our clients’ property investments.

Get a quote today

Contact Simon

Please complete the form to arrange an informal discussion so we can acquire more details about your property. There is no charge and no obligation.

We cover all of Surrey and London and are also available via WhatsApp. Alternatively, please call 07834 761 411 or email Simon directly.

    
 
 
         
   Chris Thoume 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience working with Simon: he took me through the process in simple terms and was always willing to provide considered pragmatic advice.
  
 
        
   Jessica Sanzone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Would highly recommend using Westville Associates. Appointed Brett to act for us in regards to some party wall matters. We found him to be polite and professional with a wealth of knowledge in this field. Great communication throughout the process. Great service from start to finish.
  
 
        
   Kate Rennie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was recommended to use Westville Associates through a colleague to carry out a survey of a house we were looking to purchase. I couldn’t have been happier with the whole process.
From start to finish, Simon was professional, punctual, through and gave good advice with issues that arose from the survey.
I have and will continue to recommend Westville Associates to anyone wishing to carry out any surveys.
  
 
        
   Niki Yazdanian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Simon carried out a full building survey for us on a property in Oxted. We found him to be prompt, professional, very knowledgeable, a great service all round. We would have no hesitation in recommending him and using him again.
  
 
        
   Sophie Beed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really recommend Westville, great communication and advice. Clear, concise and quick report and more than happy to discuss any points to help us understand our purchase better.
  
 
        
   Sara Mahdavian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Wesville Associates for a full Building Survey for our property in Claygate after a recommendation from a friend. Simon was very personable, knowledgable and professional, and was able to work around our tight timeframe. We felt in good hands from the start!
  
 
        
   WashPod 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “Westville Associates undertook a homebuyers report for us prior to the purchase of our flat in Wandsworth.  The service from start to finish was exemplary.  Simon booked us in, undertook the inspection and presented the report to us all within 7 working days which was appreciated as time was against us somewhat.  The after sales care was also great as we had several questions about the property that were dealt with over the phone.  Friendly, professional and prompt service.
Would definitely recommend. Rob.”
  
 
        
   Craig C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked in Surbiton and the surrounding areas as an agent for over 10 years and could not recommend Simon highly enough. He has a wealth of knowledge and goes above and beyond to ensure his clients fully understand the fantastic reports he creates, unlike many other surveyors who just send a confusing report without further explanation of key points.

I am so pleased Simon has set up his solo venture - Westville Associates and will be recommending him to all of my clients.

Notices, Responses, Surveys & Awards

Party Wall Award Process

Serving a Party Wall Notice or obtaining an Agreement is relatively simple, especially when you involve professionals like us at Westville Associates, who specialise in Party Wall Matters that authorise works covered under the Act. Call now for a FREE no-obligation quote and immediate advice on 0783476141.

1. Service of Notices

As required by the Party Wall Act of 1996, you must serve a notice to inform your neighbours of the proposed work and seek their consent.

Westville Associates can

Prepare the notice, identify the affected parties, and specify the nature of the planned work.
Include drawings illustrating the proposals so the recipient fully understands the proposed renovations.
Serve notice to all affected parties, including owners and leaseholders, either by post, email or in person in a timely and appropriate manner.

If the notices are not consented to, dissented, or ignored, this will further trigger the requirement for an appointment of Surveyors to produce and serve an Award. More on the entire process.

Want the process explained on the phone? Call Simon on 07834 761 411.

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2. Neighbour Response

Upon receipt of the notice, the adjoining owner can consent or dissent. However, don’t let this confuse you; the wording refers to the process by which the owners confirm whether they wish to appoint their own surveyor(s) to represent their property interests.

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Consent

Surveyor intervention is not required, and the work can proceed. However, consent may be conditioned on the requirement of a Schedule of Condition. This document comprises a written and photographic record of the property in question.

Dissent

In this scenario, a single surveyor (referred to as the “Agreed Surveyor”) will represent both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner impartially and without bias. This approach is advisable for relatively straightforward work.

Dissent & surveyor appointed

In this arrangement, the surveyor representing the Building Owner and the surveyor representing the Adjoining Owner collaborate, both maintaining impartiality. Complex projects, such as basement excavations and large-scale works, often benefit from the involvement of two surveyors. One of their initial responsibilities is to mutually select a third surveyor to resolve any disagreements that may arise.

3. Survey/Schedule of Condition

Westville Associates can undertake an SoC, a document comprising written descriptions and photographs capturing the Adjoining Owner’s property before the commencement of work. It enables us to assess whether any damage has occurred during the project. Think of it as a before-and-after.

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4. Party Wall Awarded

Westville Associates issues your Award. The Award, often confused with a Party Wall Agreement, outlines the parties involved and the notifiable work, detailing how it will be carried out and its schedule.

For instance, Westville Associates may specify that cutting into the party wall for steel beams must be done using hand tools only or that excavations near the Adjoining Owner’s extension should be dug in 1-meter sections rather than all at once.

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5. Start of Works

After finalising the Award, along with any drawings, it is served to both owners. The Building Owner may legally commence work, contingent upon completing any notice periods or waiving them. Westville Associates are on hand to deal with any discrepancies or neighbour issues as they arise.

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6. Final Inspection

Westville Associates reviews the Schedule of Conditions and, if everything appears satisfactory, finalises the documentation. However, if any damage is identified, the Adjoining Owner can request that the Building Owner’s contractor undertake the repairs, receive compensation, or arrange for further works. More questions? See our party wall FAQs.

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7. What happens if I am not happy with my surveyor?

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and a complaint is necessary. Westville has a clear complaints process here. However, if you have further concerns about the conduct of any chartered surveyor, you can raise them with Citizens Advice and/or Trading Standards Surrey. Alternatively, contact the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Arrange a Free Consultation

It’s 100% recommended to serve a Party Wall Notice. Consult with our qualified surveyors and to determine whether any planned construction on a neighbouring wall or property requires an agreement.

Failing to obtain the necessary agreements often leads to disputes and legal issues with your neighbours that can result in delays and additional costs before you even get started.

Our fees

Party wall surveyor cost

When you choose Westville Associates for your Party Wall Matters, you choose a local business and surveyors who offer competitive fees with no hidden or additional costs, such as travel, travel time, parking, photocopying, etc.

Whether you’re the property owner or the adjoining owner, we have the experience and expertise to assist you with every aspect of Party Wall Matters, from resolving disputes and issuing awards to preparing and serving notices.

We know how stressful and complex a process like this can be, so consider us as your specialist partners in Party Walls.

Downloads

Information on undertaking building work under the Party Wall Act, or what to do if your neighbour informs you on works.

Letters & Documents Downloads.

Disputes

Neighbour arguments over party walls are not uncommon. Disputes over party walls affect around 1 in 20 homeowners, or 5%.

Party Wall Disputes.

Glossary

To ensure clear communication and legal compliance, it is worth becoming familiar with the Party Wall Act terminology and phrasing.

Party Wall Terms.

Quick Summary

We handle all Party Wall work: notices (including excavation), schedules of condition, awards, and third-surveyor services.
We recommend starting early and following our clear process: notice → response → inspection/schedule → award → final inspection.
We act for both owners (the building and the adjoining property), including the use of an Agreed Surveyor where appropriate.

Read More

Familiarise yourself with the regulations outlined in the Party Wall Act 1996, which outlines procedures to follow when carrying out any construction near a Party Wall. There are three distinct categories that correspond to different sections of the Party Wall Act: New Boundary Walls, Work to an Existing Party Wall and Excavations.