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.
Don’t hide from the Party Wall Act. Deal with it by sending the notice to the notifiable owners as soon as you submit the planning application.
Then, you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement.
Please complete the form to arrange an informal discussion to explore how we can assist you. There is no charge and no obligation. We cover all of Surrey and London. Alternatively, please call 01932 864375 or email Simon direct.
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.
Owner’s Responsibility: If you’re an owner who intends to carry out works affecting a party wall, you’ll legally be required to notify your neighbour(s) in advance.
How Long Does It Take? The notification is provided through a Party Wall Notice. Depending on the type of work, it can take 1–3 months.This can be longer if there are disputes.
If you fail to serve a Notice or obtain an agreement before starting building work, you violate the Party Wall Act. This gives the other party the right to take legal action against you.
Upon completion of the party wall process, building works can begin.
1 in 5 home renovation projects (20%) that involve shared
walls lead to some form of dispute that requires the
intervention of a party wall surveyor.
For any terraced or semi-detached property, owners must follow certain rules when planning to excavate deeper than a neighbour’s foundation, or planning to make changes on or near a party wall. Notice must be provided in writing and consent must be given before proceeding.
Need Help?Call now for a FREE no-obligation quote and immediate advice on WhatsApp: 01932 864375
Great experience working with Simon: he took me through the process in simple terms and was always willing to provide considered pragmatic advice.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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!
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
Want to undertake renovation work that will invoke the Party Wall Act, or has your neighbour informed you of action that invokes the Party Wall Act?
We have expert knowledge to help you navigate the legislation around Party Wall awards and agreements to avoid disputes.
Strictly operating through Surrey and neighbouring counties, our property consultants and surveyors specialise in Party Wall matters.
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.
Notices, Responses, Surveys & Awards
Services we offer
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:
If the notices are not consented to, dissented, or ignored, this will further trigger the requirement for an appointment of Surveyors to produce and service an Award. More on the entire process.
Want the process explained on the phone. Call Simon on 01932 864375
Back to the topWe are with you all the way.
Upon receipt of the notice, the adjoining owner can consent or dissent. However, don’t let this confuse you, as the wording refers to the process where the owners confirm whether they wish to appoint their own surveyor(s) to represent their property interests.
Back to the topSurveyor intervention is not required, and the work can proceed. However, consent may be conditioned with the requirement of a Schedule of Condition. This document comprises a written and photographic record of the property in question.
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.
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.
Westville Associates can undertake an SoC, a document that comprises written descriptions and photographs that capture 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.
Back to the topWestville Associates issue your Award.
The Award, often confused for a Party Wall Agreement, outlines the involved parties 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.
Back to the topAfter finalising the Award, along with any drawings, it is served to both owners. The Building Owner can legally commence work, contingent upon completing or waiving any notice periods. Westville Associates are on hand to deal with any discrepancies of neighbour issues as they arise.
Back to the topWestville Associates review the Schedule of Conditions, and if everything appears satisfactory, they finalise the documentation. However, if any damage is identified, the Adjoining Owner can request the Building Owner’s contractor to undertake the repairs receive compensation or arrange for further works.
More questions?See our party wall faqs
Back to the topSometimes, 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).
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.
Click on image to find out more
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 like 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 process like this can be, so consider us as your specialist partners in Party Walls.
There are three distinct categories that correspond to a different section of the Party Wall Act.
Information on undertaking building work under the Party Wall Act or what to do if your neighbour tells you they are planning construction work.
Letters & documents downloads.Neighbour arguments over party walls are not uncommon. Disputes over party walls affect around 1 in 20 homeowners, or 5%.
Party Wall Disputes.The language used in the Party Wall Act is often confusing; however, to ensure clear communications and legal compliance, it is worth becoming familiar with the terms.
Party Wall Terms.
Which Party Appoints The Surveyor To Resolve A Dispute? Under the law, both parties must employ a surveyor if there is a dispute. Section 10.1a and 10.1b of the Party...
More
When A Party Wall Agreement Will Apply To You. Remember that Party Walls include anything on the boundary line between two structures and fencing...
More
What is a Party Wall? A party wall sits directly on the land boundary between two (or more) different owners. For example, terraced houses or semi-detached homes will share a...
More
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, a party wall agreement is likely necessary for building projects like loft conversions. The Party Wall Act 1996 safeguards both you
Our home should be our haven, and harmonious relationships with our neighbours are, for many of us, an important part of feeling comfortable when we’re relaxing at home. If you
More
