So, your neighbours are planning some building work. An extension could be possible — a loft conversion. Perhaps you’ve already had a letter pop through your door with something called a Party Wall Notice.
And now you’re thinking:
Do I need to do something?
Will this damage my home?
Who do I even ask?
Good news—you’re in the right place. At Jason Edworthy, your local party wall surveyors, we’re here to help neighbours like you understand what’s going on, what your rights are, and how to keep your property (and sanity) safe.
If your neighbours are planning building work that affects a shared wall or is close to your property, you’re protected under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. This law gives you the necessary rights as an adjoining owner.
How does this affect you?
1. You must be given proper notice: Your neighbour has to let you know in writing before they start any work close to or on a shared wall or boundary. The notice gives you time to understand what is happening and respond.
2. You can agree or object: You do not have to say yes to this. If you feel worried about the work, you can speak up. The party wall notice will establish a standard procedure for dealing with party wall matters and ensuring that your side is understood before any action can proceed.
3. You can choose your party wall surveyor: Are you worried that the work may change or harm your property? You can select your party wall surveyor to represent you. In most cases, your neighbour will pay for the surveyor.
4. You’re entitled to a condition report: Before any work starts, there should be a record made of your home’s current state. The report will help if your house is damaged later. You will have proof that shows what your place looked like before the work started.
5. In case of damage: If the work cracks or causes some other form of movement or injury to your property, you can ask for it to be repaired.
6. ADDITIONAL PERMISSIONS ARE REQUIRED: Your neighbour can’t just work on whatever lands they need to do their job. If access is required, it needs to be applied for and agreed through the party wall process.
In short, you’re not powerless. You have every right to ask questions, get advice, and protect your home. Working with a trusted local party wall surveyor—like Jason Edworthy—ensures the process is handled fairly, legally, and with your best interests in mind.
Before work begins in the place next to yours, you might feel worried that the walls, floors, or bricks in your home could start to show cracks or move. A detailed condition report can help with this.
We will send a team to your home who will write down everything they see. We are going to scrutinise hairline cracks, tile alignment, and related issues. Please take notes that clearly document your findings and include timestamped photos of the individual.
We capture crisp still images or video of your property before the builders start. This shows you concrete evidence of what your spot looked like before anything got underway.
We take clear photos or videos of your property before the builders come. This provides tangible proof of how your place looked before any work began.
If any unexpected damage appears later, you can be assured that you have a fair record to fall back on. The report will help you with repair or payment claims.
No guessing and no worry. You get clear, helpful support for your home.
When a party wall dispute or agreement arises, you have two main options for appointing a surveyor to manage the process: Choosing your surveyor or agreeing on a single, jointly appointed surveyor (called the “agreed surveyor”). Both have their advantages and drawbacks depending on your situation.
1. Choosing Your Jason Edworthy Party Wall Surveyor
What it means: You hire a surveyor independently to represent your interests – on your behalf. Protecting your property rights and your concerns.
Advantages:
Considerations:
2. Appointing an Agreed Surveyor
What it means: Both you and your neighbours agree to appoint a single surveyor.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Which Option is Best for You?
If you want full representation and someone dedicated solely to protecting your property, choosing a Jason Edworthy Party wall surveyor is the better option.
If you want to keep things simple, quicker, and potentially cheaper, and you trust your neighbours and the process, then an agreed surveyor could work well.