Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor for Excavation Work?

Planning some excavation work for a new extension, basement, or garden landscaping? Digging deep into your land might seem straightforward, but it could have serious implications for your neighbour’s property.

Which brings us to the big question:

👉 Do I need a Party Wall Surveyor for excavation work?

The short answer? Yes—if your excavation goes near your neighbour’s foundations or impacts a shared (party) wall.

In this guide, I’ll break down:

✅ When you do (and don’t) need a Party Wall Surveyor
✅ How the Party Wall Act applies to excavation work
✅ How to avoid disputes and legal headaches
✅ Party Wall costs and how to keep them low

When Do You Need a Party Wall Surveyor for Excavation Work?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 kicks in when excavation work could affect your neighbour’s foundations or shared walls.

You’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice and possibly appoint a Party Wall Surveyor if:

🔹 You’re excavating within 3 metres of your neighbour’s foundations and going deeper than their footings.
🔹 You’re digging within 6 metres of a neighbour’s property for deep foundations (e.g., for basements).
🔹 Your excavation affects a shared (party) wall—like for an extension or underpinning.
🔹 The work could undermine or destabilize your neighbour’s property.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if the work is entirely on your land, the Party Wall Act applies if there’s a risk to your neighbour’s structure.

👉 Need help? Check out our Fixed Fee Party Wall Service.

Why Does the Party Wall Act Apply to Excavation?

Excavation work can cause ground movement, leading to:

✔ Foundation damage – Undermining your neighbour’s footings.
✔ Cracks in walls or floors.
✔ Structural instability if not properly managed.

The Party Wall Act exists to protect your neighbour’s property from these risks. It ensures that work is done safely and that any damage is properly addressed.

What’s a Party Wall Notice for Excavation Work?

If your excavation falls under the Party Wall Act, you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice before starting.

Here’s how it works:

📌 Serve notice at least 1 month before starting excavation.
📌 Your neighbour has 14 days to respond.
📌 If they don’t reply, send a final notice (giving them another 10 days).
📌 If they object or ignore the notice, you’ll need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor.

💡 Pro Tip: Talking to your neighbour before serving notice can help smooth things over and avoid disputes.

👉 We can help serve your Party Wall Notice hassle-free.

What Happens If My Neighbour Objects?

If your neighbour objects to the excavation work, here’s what happens:

1️⃣ Both parties appoint Party Wall Surveyors.
2️⃣ The surveyors draft a Party Wall Award—outlining how the excavation will be carried out safely.
3️⃣ If surveyors can’t agree, a Third Surveyor is brought in to make the final decision.
4️⃣ Once the Party Wall Award is agreed upon, you can legally begin excavation.

💡 Want to save money? Get your neighbour to agree to use one Agreed Surveyor for both parties.

👉 See our Fixed Fee Party Wall options here.

What’s in a Party Wall Award for Excavation Work?

A Party Wall Award protects both you and your neighbour during the excavation project. It includes:

✔ Detailed plans – Showing the depth, method, and location of the excavation.
✔ Precautionary measures – To prevent damage to your neighbour’s foundations or property.
✔ Schedule of Condition – A “before” report of your neighbour’s property (to avoid false damage claims).
✔ Timelines & working hours – To minimize disruption.

💡 Tip: A thorough Party Wall Award can save you thousands if disputes arise later.

Do I Need Building Control Approval for Excavation Work?

Yes—if the excavation involves structural changes (like building a basement or extension), you’ll need Building Control approval.

Building Control will:

✅ Ensure foundations meet safety standards.
✅ Check for risks of ground movement or subsidence.
✅ Approve drainage and structural plans.

💡 Pro Tip: Building Control focuses on safety, while the Party Wall Surveyor ensures neighbouring properties aren’t affected. You may need both.

What Happens If You Skip the Party Wall Process?

Skipping the Party Wall process for excavation work can lead to serious issues:

🚨 Neighbour could file for an injunction – Halting your project immediately.
💰 You’d be liable for any damage – Even minor cracks or subsidence.
⏰ Project delays & legal costs – Disputes can drag on and cost thousands.

💡 Tip: It’s cheaper and quicker to follow the Party Wall process before starting.

👉 We’ll handle the Party Wall process for you.

How Much Does a Party Wall Agreement for Excavation Work Cost?

💡 Want to save money? Use an Agreed Surveyor and opt for a fixed-fee service.

👉 Check out our fixed-fee pricing here.

How to Keep Party Wall Costs Down for Excavation Work

✅ Talk to your neighbour early – It can prevent disputes before they happen.
✅ Use an Agreed Surveyor – One surveyor for both parties halves the cost.
✅ Choose a fixed-fee service – No surprises or hidden costs.

👉 See our fixed-fee Party Wall services here.

Final Thoughts

Excavation work can be risky—not just for your own property but for your neighbour’s too. The Party Wall Act is there to ensure everyone is protected.

✔ Serve a Party Wall Notice before starting.
✔ Get a Party Wall Agreement in place.
✔ Use a trusted Party Wall Surveyor to avoid costly disputes.

🚀 Ready to get digging?

👉 Contact Fixed Price Party Wall today—we’ll handle your Party Wall Agreement quickly and at a fixed price!