Party Wall Surveyors in Essex

Need a Party Wall Surveyor in Essex? Here’s What You Need to Know

Trusted Party Wall Surveyors in Essex – Helping Homeowners and Neighbours Alike

Planning to build an extension, convert your loft, or dig a basement? You may need a party wall agreement—and a qualified party wall surveyor—to move forward legally and smoothly.

Whether you're the one doing the building or live next door to a project, our expert party wall surveyors in Essex offer tailored, professional support to protect your property and your peace of mind.

What Is a Party Wall Surveyor and Why Might You Need One?

When a construction project affects a shared wall or boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 comes into play. This law requires that affected neighbours are formally notified and protected through a party wall agreement.

When Is a Party Wall Agreement Required?

You may need a surveyor if you're planning:

  • A rear or side home extension

  • A loft conversion involving the party wall

  • A basement excavation

  • Any structural changes near a shared boundary

The Legal Requirement

Failing to follow the Party Wall Act can lead to costly delays, legal disputes, or forced changes to your project. A professional surveyor ensures you meet every legal requirement from the start.

Want to work together?

Our Party Wall Services

We are here to help whether you are undertaking your own construction works, or you are a neighbour who has received a notice or have questions about your neighbours works. Please see our services below to assist.

Model house with keys and keychain on a wooden surface.

If you are proposing to undertake certain construction works, you are defined as a Building Owner under the Act. We can quickly determine if you works are subject to the provisions of the Party Wall Act.

Row of colorful townhouses with different painted facades, including pink, light blue, brown brick, and gray, each with front stairs and white decorative moldings around the windows and doors.

If you are next to building works, or have been served a Party Wall notice then you are an Adjoining Owner under the Party Wall Act.

Why Choose a Local Party Wall Surveyor in Essex?

Hiring a local surveyor makes a real difference. Here’s why Essex homeowners and neighbours choose us:

Local Knowledge Matters

We’re familiar with planning departments across Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester, Southend, Billericay, and the rest of Essex. That means faster turnaround, fewer surprises, and a smooth process from notice to completion.

Rapid Response and Site Visits

We offer fast, in-person surveys across Essex. Because we’re local, we can often arrange visits within 24–48 hours.

We Represent Both Sides – With Total Independence

We work for homeowners planning work and neighbours impacted by it. In each case, we offer fair, expert advice rooted in the law.

For Homeowners Planning to Build

  • Draft and serve party wall notices

  • Create legally binding Party Wall Awards

  • Advise on planning timelines and risks

  • Handle communication with neighbours professionally

For Adjoining Neighbours

  • Review and respond to notices

  • Assess risk and document existing conditions

  • Protect your rights and property

  • Offer independent surveyor representation if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Simply put, a Party Wall is a wall shared by both a Building Owner and an Adjoining Owner.

  • If your proposed works trigger section 1, 3 or 6 of the Act then yes you will need to serve notice. We can quickly advise if your proposed works will impact an Adjoining Owner.

  • If you are digging foundations then at least one month before you intend to start works. If works to a party wall, then at least two months before you start works.

  • In almost all scenarios, the Building Owner will pay for the reasonable fees of both their surveyor and that of the Adjoining Owner. Simply put, in most circumstances the Adjoining Owner does not stand to benefit from the works. There will be complicated situations where fees are apportioned due to repairs to a defective shared structure as an example.

  • We recommend immediately taking photos of your property close to the works to establish a prior condition. Then speak directly with your neighbour to inform them of the Party Wall Act and to cease works immediately until a Party Wall notice and resolution is sought. Failing this, you may seek legal redress to get a injunction to stop works – you should seek legal advice for this matter.

  • Any works which are subject to the Party Wall Act will require a Building Owner to (i) serve a party wall notice and (ii) have consent form the Adjoining Owner or have a Party Wall Award served from your surveyor.

  • When you excavate within 3m of a neighbour property (we mean physical buildings not land), and to a depth greater said foundations then a notice is required. There is also a 6m rule for deep foundations such has a piled design which will also apply.ription

  • Primarily the Act is a framework which resolves disputes between two parties when certain building works take place. The Act also provides a mechanism to the Adjoining Owner to ensure their property is safeguarded and/or compensated when appropriate.