A party wall process runs best when surveyors have the right information, neighbours feel informed, and the build team understands the Award. The goal isn’t just “getting an Award”—it’s keeping your project moving while protecting both properties and reducing the chance of disputes.
1) Start early (before you want to start on site)
One of the biggest causes of delay is leaving the party wall process until the build date is close. Surveyors need time to:
- review drawings and methods,
- serve notices correctly,
- allow response periods,
- inspect and prepare a Schedule of Condition,
- agree and serve an Award (if required).
Early involvement is almost always cheaper and smoother than trying to “rush it through” once contractors are booked.
2) Provide a complete information pack
Surveyors work faster (and with fewer revisions) when they receive clear, consistent documents. A good pack usually includes:
- existing and proposed architectural drawings,
- structural drawings/calculations (beams, padstones, bearings, foundations),
- site plan showing boundaries and neighbouring structures,
- foundation/excavation details (depths, method, sequencing),
- construction method statement if works are complex,
- programme / proposed start date and key stages.
Missing details lead to more queries, more letters, and more time billed.
3) Communicate in a neighbour-friendly way
Even if surveyors handle the formal side, a calm relationship with your neighbour helps hugely. Practical tips:
- speak to your neighbour before the formal notice lands,
- explain what you’re doing and why, and share drawings if appropriate,
- be realistic about disruption (noise, deliveries, access),
- reassure them you’ll follow the Act and record condition properly.
A neighbour who feels respected is more likely to cooperate—and that often reduces time and cost.
4) Aim for proportionate safeguards (not overkill)
Surveyors should set protections that match the risk. You can help by:
- being open to reasonable safeguards (dust control, protection, working hours),
- not resisting every clause—small concessions can avoid long disputes,
- asking surveyors to keep requirements practical and buildable.
The best outcomes usually come from reasonable protection, clearly written.
5) Take the Schedule of Condition seriously
The Schedule of Condition is your best protection if damage is later alleged. To get the most value:
- ensure access is arranged smoothly (keys, times, clear rooms),
- ask for clear photos and location references,
- keep your own dated photo record too, if possible.
A thorough schedule reduces arguments later because it sets a clear baseline.
6) Keep your contractor aligned with the Award
Many disputes happen because builders don’t follow the Award conditions. Avoid that by:
- giving the contractor a copy of the Award before work starts,
- briefing them on key conditions (working hours, access rules, protection measures),
- ensuring any temporary works or sequencing requirements are understood,
- keeping the site tidy and compliant (dust, waste, shared access).
If something needs to change on site, tell the surveyor early—don’t improvise and hope it’s fine.
7) Respond quickly and keep decisions moving
Surveyors can only progress as fast as the information and responses they receive. You’ll get better results if you:
- reply promptly to requests for drawings or clarification,
- confirm access dates quickly,
- keep communications in writing where possible,
- avoid last-minute design changes once notices are served (or flag changes immediately).
Delay usually equals extra cost.
8) Be pragmatic if concerns arise during the build
If your neighbour reports cracking or damage:
- don’t dismiss it—report it to the surveyor(s),
- agree an inspection quickly,
- let the process deal with it calmly using the Schedule of Condition.
Fast, professional handling prevents escalation and usually protects your programme.
9) Understand what surveyors can (and can’t) do
Surveyors can:
- set out how works should proceed,
- agree safeguards and access procedures,
- deal with damage and compensation,
- issue a binding Award.
They can’t:
- redesign your project for planning purposes,
- guarantee neighbour consent,
- ignore the Act’s timeframes.
Knowing this keeps expectations realistic and helps you work with the process rather than against it.
Want help managing the process smoothly?
If you’d like support to minimise delays and keep costs proportionate, email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 with a brief outline of your works, your property type, and where you are in the process (planning/notice served/neighbour response). We’ll advise on the best way to work with surveyors and get the most efficient outcome.