What is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award (often called “the Award”) is a formal, legally recognised document produced under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when a neighbour dissents, raises concerns, or doesn’t respond to a Party Wall Notice. The Award sets out exactly how the notifiable works must be carried out, what protections must be put in place, and what happens if damage occurs—so both owners have clarity before work begins.
It’s designed to balance:
- the building owner’s right to carry out lawful works, and
- the adjoining owner’s right to have their property protected.
The role of the surveyor(s)
Once there is a dissent, either:
- one Agreed Surveyor is appointed to act impartially for both owners, or
- two surveyors are appointed (one for each owner), who then agree the Award together.
Surveyors are expected to be independent and impartial under the Act. They will typically:
- Review the proposed works (drawings, structural details, specifications, and method statements)
- Consider potential risks (movement, vibration, water ingress, access issues, temporary works, sequencing)
- Inspect the relevant areas of both properties
- Communicate with both owners to gather concerns and propose safeguards
- Draft and serve the Party Wall Award setting out the terms for the works
What the Award usually includes
A well-prepared Award is practical and project-specific. It commonly contains:
- A detailed description of the works that are authorised under the Act
- Working methods and safeguards, such as temporary support, sequencing, protection of finishes, weatherproofing, or vibration controls
- Conditions on timing, including permitted working hours and how/when noisy work should be carried out
- Measures to reduce disruption, such as dust suppression, waste management, and keeping shared areas clean and safe
- Access arrangements (when access to the neighbour’s land is reasonably required, how it will be managed, and notice for access)
- Monitoring requirements, where appropriate (for example, crack monitoring or check inspections at agreed stages)
- A Schedule of Condition recording the adjoining property’s condition before works begin (often with photographs)
- Damage procedures and liability, including how damage will be assessed, how it will be made good, and timescales for repairs or compensation
- Any additional project-specific clauses needed to protect both properties and keep the works manageable
Legal status and enforcement
Once the surveyor(s) sign and serve the Award, it becomes legally binding on the parties. If the terms aren’t followed, the affected party may have legal remedies available, which can include seeking an injunction or making a claim for losses/damage—so it’s important the Award is understood and complied with.
Why understanding the Award matters
Before work starts, owners should:
- Read the Award carefully
- Make sure the scope and method reflect the actual project
- Confirm any requirements for access, protections, and working hours
- Clarify anything unclear before builders begin on site
In many cases, problems arise not from the Act itself, but from miscommunication or starting work without following the Award’s conditions.
Benefits of involving a surveyor early
Getting an experienced party wall surveyor involved early can:
- Identify risks before they become disputes
- Reduce delays caused by unclear notices or incomplete information
- Produce a more robust, tailored Award that protects both properties
- Help the project run more smoothly with fewer surprises on site
Need help preparing or agreeing a Party Wall Award?
Email mail@howorth.uk with your address, a brief summary of the works, your intended start date, and any plans/drawings you have. We can advise on the likely process and help ensure your Award is thorough, practical, and compliant.