Party Wall Notices Don't Guarantee Approval | Here's What Does

Planning works under the Party Wall Act? Understanding the role of a Building Owner’s Surveyor can help keep your project compliant, reduce disputes, and avoid costly delays 👉 https://harrisonclarke.co.uk/contact TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Understanding the Role of a Building Owner’s Surveyor in Party Wall Matters 0:35 What is a Building Owner’s Surveyor? 1:28 What Does a Building Owner’s Surveyor Actually Do? 2:36 Building Owner’s Surveyor VS Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor 3:32 How to Appoint a Building Owner’s Surveyor? 4:37 Who Pays the Surveyor’ Fee? 5:17 Best Practice Tips for a Smooth Party Wall Process What does a Building Owner’s Surveyor do? If you are planning works close to a neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. In this video, we explain: • What a Building Owner’s Surveyor is• When they become involved• Their legal responsibilities under the Act• How they work with the adjoining owner’s surveyor• Who pays the surveyor fees• How to avoid delays and disputes What is a Building Owner’s Surveyor? A Building Owner’s Surveyor is appointed by the person carrying out the works once a dispute arises under the Party Wall Act. Their role includes: • Reviewing proposed works• Ensuring notices are valid• Preparing and agreeing Party Wall Awards• Recording the neighbouring property condition• Helping works proceed fairly and lawfully Although appointed by the building owner, they must remain impartial under the Act. What does the surveyor actually do? Typical duties include: • Reviewing drawings and structural proposals • Serving or checking Party Wall Notices • Liaising with the adjoining owner’s surveyor • Preparing Schedules of Condition • Negotiating Party Wall Awards • Managing disputes if issues arise The goal is to allow works to proceed while protecting both parties. Building Owner’s Surveyor vs Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor A common misunderstanding is that surveyors “take sides”. In reality: • Both surveyors must act independently • Both apply the same legislation • Both must agree a fair and proportionate award Sometimes a single Agreed Surveyor may act for both owners to simplify the process and reduce costs. Who pays the surveyor fees? In most cases: ✅ The Building Owner pays the reasonable fees for both surveyors. However, costs must remain: • Reasonable • Proportionate • Properly justified Excessive or unreasonable fees may be challenged. Best practice for a smoother Party Wall process To avoid unnecessary problems: • Speak to a surveyor early • Keep communication open with neighbours • Use clear drawings and information • Serve valid notices on time • Work with experienced Party Wall professionals Good preparation usually leads to fewer disputes and smoother projects. Need advice on a Party Wall matter? If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, basement project, or structural works near a neighbouring property: https://harrisonclarke.co.uk 📞 Speak to our team: 023 8155 0051 | Southampton 020 8153 1233 | London Our Services • Party Wall Surveying • Residential Surveys • Commercial Building Surveys • Schedules of Condition • Dilapidations Advice • Expert Witness • Defect Analysis 🎥 More videos from Harrison Clarke: •    • The Defective Drain Causing Cracks in Your...   •    • Building Regulations Explained: Approved D...   •    • Principal Designer vs Principal Contractor...   FOLLOW US 🔗 LinkedIn:   / harrison-clarke-limited   📸 Instagram:   / harrison_clarke_ltd   📘 Facebook:   / harrisonclarkeltd   🎥 TikTok:   / harrisonclarkesurveyors   #PartyWallSurveyor #PartyWallAct #BuildingOwnerSurveyor #PropertyDevelopment #Extensions #LoftConversion #Surveyor #HarrisonClarke