When you're planning building work near a shared wall or even within six metres of your neighbour’s property you’re entering the jurisdiction of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. That’s where we come in. At Survey One Farnham, we provide fast, reliable, and legally compliant party wall services tailored to residential and commercial clients across Farnham and surrounding areas.
What Exactly Is a Party Wall Survey and Why Does It Matter?
Imagine your neighbour starts construction next door. A few weeks later, cracks snake across your wall like bad news. Was that damage already there? Cue the finger-pointing and awkward eye contact at the mailbox.
A Party Wall Survey prevents this. It records the exact condition of shared walls, floors, or ceilings before work begins documented with precision and photographs. It’s protection for both sides, backed by law. Whether you’re in a quiet suburb or need to survey one party walls Farnham, the process ensures clarity before a single brick is moved.
A Quick Dive into the Party Wall Act 1996
Passed in 1996 (before TikTok, but after dial-up), the Party Wall Act sets out the rights and responsibilities for property owners planning work that affects shared structures or boundaries.
So if you're converting your loft, digging foundations, or adding an extension you must serve a Party Wall Notice. Failure to do so isn’t just bad manners. It’s a legal risk.
“Good fences make good neighbours.” – Robert Frost
Good party wall notices do, too.
The Roles: Building Owners vs. Adjoining Owners
Building Owners (that’s you, if you’re planning work) must serve formal notice. Your neighbour, aka the Adjoining Owner, has the right to consent or dissent. If they dissent, we enter the delightful land of surveys, awards, and occasionally, polite disagreements.
But don’t worry Survey One handles it all:
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Drafting and serving legal notices
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Preparing Schedules of Condition
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Issuing Party Wall Awards
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Mediating disputes
And yes, we speak fluent "legal-ese" so you don’t have to.
What Are Party Wall Notices?
There are three primary types:
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Party Structure Notice – For work on shared walls.
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Line of Junction Notice – For new walls on the boundary.
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Notice of Adjacent Excavation – For digging near neighbouring structures.
Serving the correct notice on time, and in writing isn’t optional. It's legal obligation 101.
Party Wall Procedure: Step-by-Step
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Serve Notice – Minimum two months before work starts.
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Consent or Dissent – Your neighbour responds (hopefully with grace).
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Appoint Surveyors – If there's dissent, both parties appoint surveyors or share one.
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Schedule of Condition – A visual and written record of existing conditions.
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Party Wall Award – Surveyors agree and issue a legally binding agreement.
Every step is regulated. Every deadline matters. It’s not just bureaucracy—it’s peace of mind.
Boundary Disputes: More Common Than You Think
From confusion over where a fence line actually lies to claims of encroachment, boundary disputes fall into a few predictable categories:
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Disagreement over property lines
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Objections to structures like sheds, patios, or driveways
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Claims of trespass or adverse possession
Our experienced surveyors help resolve these calmly, lawfully, and (hopefully) without anyone resorting to passive-aggressive hedge trimming.
Dispute Resolution in Party Wall Matters
Handled right, most disputes are a bump in the road, not a legal cliff. Our chartered surveyors are trained in mediation, offering impartial advice to both sides and helping everyone sleep a little easier.
“You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” – Indira Gandhi
We help unclench those fists.
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Why Communication Is Everything: Misunderstandings cause more trouble than construction dust. At Survey One, we prioritise clear, proactive communication. We explain each step, set expectations, and make sure neighbours stay neighbours, not courtroom adversaries.
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Schedules of Condition: Your Safety Net: Before any dust flies, a Schedule of Condition is compiled photos, notes, and detailed observations. This becomes your evidence base should any disputes arise later.
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It’s not just a report. It’s your property’s insurance policy in disguise.
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Legal Framework and Party Wall Awards: Once appointed, surveyors prepare a Party Wall Award a detailed document setting out who can do what, when, and how. It’s enforceable by law. Think of it as the construction version of a peace treaty.
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Responding to a Party Wall Award: Received one? Don’t ignore it. Read it carefully. Understand your rights. Ask questions. And, if necessary, appoint your own surveyor to review.
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Why Local Expertise Matters: Farnham isn’t London. Every town has quirks local bylaws, regional property features, and neighbourly expectations. Our Farnham-based team knows the terrain, understands the property types, and works with local authorities regularly.
Why Choose Survey One Farnham?
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RICS Chartered Surveyors
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Local Knowledge, National Standards
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Transparent Pricing and Fixed Fees
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Experienced in Residential & Commercial Surveys
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Prompt, Professional, Personable
Pricing and Transparency
Our fixed fee for Party Wall Awards starts at £599, including:
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Legal compliance checks
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Drafting and serving notices
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Detailed Schedules of Condition
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Preparation of the Award
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Initial consultations? Always free. Because making the right decision shouldn’t cost a penny.
For Neighbours Receiving Notices
If you're the recipient of a Party Wall Notice, you're legally entitled to appoint your own surveyor independently. Don’t feel pressured to go with the one your neighbour recommends. We offer honest, impartial guidance and can represent your interests clearly and confidently.
