Price Lilford: RICS Registered Party Wall Surveyor
What Is the Party Wall Act 1996?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a vital piece of legislation that helps property owners carry out building work responsibly and without disputes. It protects both you and your neighbours when work affects a shared structure, wall, or boundary.
At Price Lilford, our experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors in Kent help homeowners, landlords, and developers comply with the law and maintain good neighbourly relations throughout any project.
If you’re extending your home, converting a loft, or excavating near another property, the Act may apply — and that’s where a Party Wall Surveyor becomes essential.
When Does the Party Wall Act Apply?
The Party Wall Act covers three main types of work:
- Building on or near a boundary – for example, constructing a new wall up to or astride a boundary line.
- Work to a shared structure – such as cutting into or removing parts of a party wall, or inserting steel beams for a loft conversion.
- Excavation near another property – digging foundations within 3–6 metres of a neighbouring structure.
Even small home improvements can trigger the Act. Before you start, consult a Party Wall Surveyor to confirm whether you need to serve notice or agree an award.
The Role of a Party Wall Surveyor
A Party Wall Surveyor acts as an impartial expert to ensure both owners are treated fairly under the Act.
If an adjoining owner consents, the process remains simple. If they dissent, one or more surveyors are appointed to produce a Party Wall Award — a legally binding document that sets out how and when work may proceed.
Our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in Kent will:
- Advise whether the Act applies to your project
- Draft and serve the correct Party Wall Notices
- Communicate with your neighbours’ surveyors
- Prepare and agree Party Wall Awards
- Inspect the property before and after works
- Help resolve disputes professionally and efficiently
Why Use a Chartered Party Wall Surveyor in Kent
Choosing a RICS Chartered Surveyor means working with a qualified professional bound by strict standards of conduct and competence.
At Price Lilford, we combine technical expertise with local knowledge of Kent’s varied building types — from Victorian terraces in Canterbury to modern extensions in Ashford and Dover.
Our clients choose us for:
- RICS accreditation and over two decades of surveying experience
- Independent, impartial advice
- Clear communication and transparent costs
- A calm, pragmatic approach to dispute resolution
Whether you are the building owner carrying out works or the adjoining owner affected by them, our goal is to protect your property and peace of mind.
What Happens if You Ignore the Party Wall Act
Failing to comply with the Act can create serious legal and financial problems.
If notice isn’t served correctly or a dispute arises without a valid award, your project could be delayed — or stopped altogether.
In some cases, property owners have faced injunctions or compensation claims. Working with a qualified Party Wall Surveyor in Kent ensures your works are fully compliant and supported by expert documentation.
How a Party Wall Surveyor Helps Both Sides
It’s a common misconception that a Party Wall Surveyor works only for the building owner.
In fact, their duty is to the Act — not to either party. The surveyor’s role is to make sure the works are lawful, safe, and cause minimal disturbance.
Our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors act as:
- The Building Owner’s Surveyor (representing the party carrying out works), or
- The Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor (representing the neighbour), or
- The Agreed Surveyor acting impartially for both sides.
This flexibility often helps keep the process efficient, cost-effective, and amicable.
Party Wall Advice Across Kent
From historic properties in Canterbury to coastal homes in Folkestone and modern developments in Maidstone, we’ve supported hundreds of homeowners and developers with Party Wall matters.
Every project begins with a clear assessment of your plans and a tailored strategy to meet your legal obligations.
If you’re unsure whether your project requires a Party Wall Notice, it’s best to ask early — we’ll review your drawings and confirm exactly what’s needed.
Talk to a Party Wall Surveyor in Kent
The Party Wall process doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right advice, it can be handled smoothly, professionally, and with minimal disruption.
At Price Lilford, our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in Kent are here to help you every step of the way — from initial notice through to completion.
👉 Contact our RICS Chartered Surveyors in Kent today to discuss your project or request a quotation.
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