Party Wall Surveying Services
At David Cosby, our Party Wall surveyors are committed to providing clear, practical advice and a proportionate service under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We support homeowners and developers across Northamptonshire and beyond, helping to keep projects moving whilst ensuring that statutory notices, appointments and Awards are dealt with correctly.
Our approach is straightforward and methodical: we explain whether the Act applies, guide you through the required steps, and where a dispute arises we progress matters efficiently through to a Party Wall Award, supported by an appropriate schedule of condition and sensible protective measures.
At David Cosby, our Party Wall surveyors are committed to providing clear, practical advice and a proportionate service under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We support homeowners and developers across Northamptonshire and beyond, helping to keep projects moving whilst ensuring that statutory notices, appointments and Awards are dealt with correctly.
Established 2003
David Cosby Chartered Surveyors have over two decades of experience providing professional Party Wall surveying services under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, supporting clients throughout Northamptonshire and across the UK.
Acting for Building Owners
We assist building owners proposing works that fall within the scope of the Act, including extensions near boundaries, loft conversions involving party walls, excavation works and structural alterations.
Our involvement typically includes reviewing proposals, preparing and serving Party Wall notices, advising on responses received, and progressing matters through to the preparation of Party Wall Awards where required.
Early advice can be particularly valuable in identifying whether the Act applies, avoiding invalid notices and ensuring that proposed works proceed without unnecessary delay.
Acting for Building Owners
We assist building owners proposing works that fall within the scope of the Act, including extensions near boundaries, loft conversions involving party walls, excavation works and structural alterations. Our involvement typically includes reviewing proposals, preparing and serving Party Wall notices, advising on responses received, and progressing matters through to the preparation of Party Wall Awards where required. Early advice can be particularly valuable in identifying whether the Act applies, avoiding invalid notices and ensuring that proposed works proceed without unnecessary delay.
Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Our Party Wall Surveyors are qualified professionals who adhere to the strict standards and ethical guidelines set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Acting for Adjoining Owners
Adjoining owners are entitled to protection where neighbouring works may affect their property.
We provide independent advice to adjoining owners who have received Party Wall notices, explaining the options available, reviewing proposed works, and ensuring that any Award properly safeguards their property.
This often includes the preparation of a detailed schedule of condition, review of structural proposals and ongoing monitoring where appropriate.
Acting for Adjoining Owners
Adjoining owners are entitled to protection where neighbouring works may affect their property. We provide independent advice to adjoining owners who have received Party Wall notices, explaining the options available, reviewing proposed works, and ensuring that any Award properly safeguards their property. This often includes the preparation of a detailed schedule of condition, review of structural proposals and ongoing monitoring where appropriate.
Agreed Surveyor Appointments
Where both parties prefer a single surveyor to act impartially, we are able to accept appointment as an agreed surveyor.
This approach can reduce costs and simplify communication, whilst still ensuring that the statutory duties of the surveyor are discharged properly and impartially.
Agreed Surveyor Appointments
Where both parties prefer a single surveyor to act impartially, we are able to accept appointment as an agreed surveyor. This approach can reduce costs and simplify communication, whilst still ensuring that the statutory duties of the surveyor are discharged properly and impartially.
Schedules of Condition
Schedules of condition form an important part of the Party Wall process, providing an objective record of the adjoining property prior to works commencing. We prepare detailed photographic and written schedules which may later assist in resolving any allegation of damage and provide reassurance to both parties.
Schedules of Condition
Schedules of condition form an important part of the Party Wall process, providing an objective record of the adjoining property prior to works commencing. We prepare detailed photographic and written schedules which may later assist in resolving any allegation of damage and provide reassurance to both parties.
Dispute Resolution and Awards
Where consent is not provided, surveyors are required to resolve matters through the preparation of a Party Wall Award.
We aim to deal with this process in a pragmatic and proportionate manner, ensuring that the Award clearly sets out the permitted works, safeguards for adjoining property, access arrangements and any necessary protective measures.
Dispute Resolution and Awards
Where consent is not provided, surveyors are required to resolve matters through the preparation of a Party Wall Award.
We aim to deal with this process in a pragmatic and proportionate manner, ensuring that the Award clearly sets out the permitted works, safeguards for adjoining property, access arrangements and any necessary protective measures.
Why instruct us
Our Party Wall surveyors benefit from a background in building pathology, allowing us to understand not only the statutory framework but also the practical implications of construction works.
Clients value clear communication, measured advice and a balanced approach that seeks to protect property whilst avoiding unnecessary escalation of neighbour concerns.
Why instruct us
Our Party Wall surveyors benefit from a background in building pathology, allowing us to understand not only the statutory framework but also the practical implications of construction works.
Clients value clear communication, measured advice and a balanced approach that seeks to protect property whilst avoiding unnecessary escalation of neighbour concerns.
Party Wall Q&A Guide
What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
A legal procedure that applies to certain works affecting a shared wall/structure, a boundary, or nearby foundations. It requires notice to neighbours and provides a framework for surveyors to agree safeguards where consent is not given.
When does the Act apply?
Commonly to: (1) works to a party wall/party structure, (2) building at the boundary (line of junction), and (3) certain excavations close to a neighbouring building. If you send your drawings, we can confirm quickly whether it applies.
Do I always need to serve a Party Wall notice?
Only if the works are notifiable under the Act. Serving an invalid notice can cause delay, so it is worth checking early.
How much notice is required?
It depends on the type of work. Some notices require two months and others one month. The notice period runs from valid service.
What happens if my neighbour consents?
If your neighbour consents in writing, a dispute does not arise under the Act. Many clients still choose a schedule of condition for reassurance.
What if my neighbour does not respond or refuses consent?
If consent is not provided (including no response within the statutory period), a dispute is deemed to arise and surveyors must be appointed. Matters are then usually resolved by a Party Wall Award.
What is a Party Wall Award?
A formal document agreed by the surveyor(s) setting out how the works may proceed, including protective measures, access arrangements (if needed), and procedures if damage is alleged.
Can one surveyor act for both parties?
Yes — both owners can agree to appoint an agreed surveyor, who must act impartially. This can be a cost-effective option for straightforward matters.
Who pays the surveyors’ fees?
In most routine cases, the building owner (the person doing the works) pays the reasonable fees for the Party Wall process. There are exceptions depending on circumstances.
What is a schedule of condition?
A written and photographic record of the adjoining property before works start. It provides an objective benchmark if damage is alleged later and is often included within the Award process.
Is this the same as planning permission or Building Regulations?
No. Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate regimes. Party Wall relates to neighbour notice and safeguarding for notifiable works.
How long does the process take?
It depends on neighbour response and complexity. The best way to avoid delay is to address the Party Wall position early, before your start date is fixed.
Can I start work without dealing with the Act?
If the works are notifiable, starting without following the Act can lead to disputes, delay and potentially court action to stop works. It is usually far easier to follow the procedure from the outset.
What information do you need for a quotation?
The property address, a brief description of the works, and any drawings/sections you have (plus an approximate start date). If drawings are not available yet, we can still give initial guidance from a description and photos.
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