What does Westville Associates do for building owners under the Party Wall Act?

Westville Associates provides a full party wall surveying service for building owners, including preparing and serving valid Party Wall Notices, recording detailed Schedules of Condition of neighbouring properties and agreeing Party Wall Awards that set out how notifiable works must be carried out. This helps ensure your project complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and reduces the risk of disputes with neighbours.

Do I have to serve Party Wall Notices on my neighbours?

Yes. As the building owner, you have a statutory duty to serve written Party Wall Notices on all affected adjoining owners before starting any notifiable work, such as extensions, loft conversions, basement works or excavations close to neighbouring foundations. Westville Associates can prepare and serve these notices on your behalf to make sure they are valid and compliant with the Party Wall Act.

What is a Schedule of Condition and why is it important?

A Schedule of Condition is a detailed written and photographic record of your neighbour’s property before works begin. It forms an important part of the Party Wall Award, providing clear evidence of the pre-existing condition so that any later damage can be identified fairly. Westville Associates prepares meticulous Schedules of Condition to protect both you and your neighbours if issues arise during or after the works.

What is a Party Wall Award for building owners?

A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document agreed by the appointed surveyor or surveyors. It sets out how and when the notifiable works must be carried out, how access will be managed, working hours, protective measures, how any damage will be dealt with and who is responsible for costs. Once signed and served, it gives you a clear framework for progressing your project while protecting your neighbours’ property.

How long does the party wall process take for building owners?

Timescales depend on the responsiveness of your neighbours and the complexity of the works, but Westville Associates notes that a straightforward party wall matter typically takes around three to six weeks from serving notices to agreeing the Party Wall Award. Starting the process early, ideally as you submit planning applications, helps avoid delays to your build.

Who pays the party wall surveyor’s fees?

In most cases, the building owner undertaking the notifiable works is responsible for the reasonable fees of the party wall surveyor or surveyors, as they are the party benefiting from the project. Westville Associates works on a fixed-fee basis for building owners so that you know in advance what your party wall costs are likely to be.

What happens if my neighbour ignores or dissents to the notice?

If an adjoining owner dissents to your notice or simply does not respond within the statutory timeframe, a dispute is deemed to have arisen under the Party Wall Act. At that point, surveyors must be appointed. Westville Associates can act as the agreed surveyor for both parties where appropriate, or as your surveyor if each side appoints their own, guiding the process through to a Party Wall Award so that your project can still proceed lawfully.

How do I get started as a building owner with Westville Associates?

You can begin by completing the contact form on the building owners page or by calling 07834 761 411 to arrange a free, no-obligation discussion about your project. A named party wall surveyor will review your plans, confirm whether the Party Wall Act applies and explain the notices, Schedules of Condition and Awards needed to move your works forward correctly.

Party wall Surveyor for building owners

As the building owner, you need to make ensure any Party Wall works are handled correctly, legally and professionally.

Planning to undertake works under the Party Wall Act as a building owner, we can help protect both your rights and your neighbour’s rights, having undertaken hundreds of party wall matters across Surrey.

How we help building owners

The Party Wall Award protect your rights, your property and your neighbour’s property throughout the process.

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.

Planning a home extension, loft conversion or a basement extension?

Perhaps you’re doing maintenance work that involves construction or changes near a party wall?

Then, you’ll likely need our help to serve a Party Wall Notice.

Building owners have a statutory duty to serve written Party Wall Notices to all affected neighbours.

To ensure your works comply with the Party Wall Act, we provide a full party wall surveying service, including Party Wall Notices, meticulous Schedules of Condition and Party Wall Awards.

Our party wall surveys are offered on a fixed-fee basis.

Arrange a Free Consultation

    
 
 
         
   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.

When you need a Party Wall Surveyor

The three types of work covered by the Party Wall Act:

Works to a party structure: Works directly to a party wall or structure, like cutting into a party wall to insert a beam or flashing, underpinning a shared wall or removing a chimney breast.
Building new walls on the line of junction: If you’re building a new wall up to or on the boundary line, where a wall does not already exist.
Excavation within 3-6m: If you’re planning to excavate within 3m of an adjoining property and to a deeper depth than the foundation, you’ll have to serve all affected neighbours with a valid Party Wall Notice.

Your neighbour can either consent to your Party Wall Notice or dissent.

In the event of a dissent, a Party Wall Dispute will arise, which must be resolved by the process outlined in the Party Wall Act, where you’ll have to appoint surveyors who will make agreements leading to a Party Wall Award or Party Wall Agreement.

The award will set out the timings and the manner of the work taking place, considering any notable compensation in the event of damage and right of access to neighbouring land.

Process and Time Timescale

The processes, framework and timescales for dealing with party wall matters.

Time required: 1 - 2 Days

Service of Notices

The Act requires the Building Owner to serve a Party Wall Notice on the Adjoining Owners. We will prepare and serve the notices for you, with a typical notice period of 2 months for structural works and 1 month for a line of junction and adjacent excavation works.

Time required: 14 - 24 Days

Response to Notice

Once the neighbour/adjoining owner receives the notice, they have 14 days to respond. Their options are:

Consent: Works proceed. A schedule of conditions is still recommended to avoid future problems.

Dissent: In this instance, the adjoining owner often appoints their own surveyor, and we will both act together to agree on a Party Wall Award.

Both surveyors, acting impartially, will work together to serve the award so that notifiable works can begin. In other instances, the adjoining owner can dissent but agree to share a single surveyor, in which the 'Agreed Surveyor' again acts impartially on behalf of both owners to prepare the Party Wall Award (which is more common for relatively simple works).

If the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days, they are deemed to have automatically dissented. This means a letter will be sent, giving them 10 days to appoint a surveyor before you appoint one on their behalf.

Time required: 5 - 10 days following notice response

Schedule of Condition

Once all surveyors have been appointed, we will undertake a Schedule of Condition of the adjoining property, which will record the property's condition before works start and protect you in the event of any damage occurring. Clear written and photographic records are taken.

Time required: Typically 3 - 6 weeks

Party Wall Award

Appointed surveyors will prepare a Party Wall Award, stipulating the timings and manner in which the notifiable works must take place.

Once the content of the award has been agreed upon, the surveyor(s) will sign it and serve it to both owners. If there are any problems with the content, it can be appealed to the County Court within 14 days, after which the award becomes legally binding for both parties.

Subject to no contests, the building owner can start works covered in the award.

Want free help and advice?

See our Party Wall Resource page for useful websites that can save you time and money.

Party Wall Notices

Schedule of Condition

Party Wall Awards

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.

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Quick Summary

Offer: We provide fixed-fee party wall surveying for building owners, including preparing/serving notices, schedules of condition and party wall awards (with agreed/third surveyor support where needed), with fees from £800.
Scope: We advise on notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996: works to a party structure, new walls on the line of junction, and excavations within 3–6m that go deeper than neighbouring foundations.
Process: We serve the notice (typically 2 months for party structure works; 1 month for line of junction/excavation), manage neighbour responses (14 days), complete a schedule of condition, then agree and serve the award (often 3–6 weeks, with a 14-day appeal window).
Areas: We cover Surrey and the nearby SW London areas.