Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor if I’m Knocking Through an Internal Wall?

Planning to knock through an internal wall to create an open-plan kitchen, a bigger living space, or just to let more light into your home? It’s one of the most popular home improvement projects around.

But before you grab the sledgehammer, here’s an important question:

👉 Do I need a Party Wall Surveyor if I’m knocking through an internal wall?

The short answer? Usually no, but there are key exceptions—especially if the wall you’re removing supports a shared structure or impacts a party wall.

In this guide, I’ll break down:

✅ When you do (and don’t) need a Party Wall Surveyor
✅ The risks of removing load-bearing walls
✅ How to avoid neighbour disputes
✅ The legal requirements and how to keep costs down

Do I Need a Party Wall Surveyor to Knock Through an Internal Wall?

In most cases, if you’re simply knocking through an internal wall that doesn’t touch or support a shared wall, you won’t need a Party Wall Surveyor.

But you might need one if:

🔹 The internal wall is load-bearing and supports a party wall (shared wall with a neighbour).
🔹 You’re inserting steel beams that will bear weight on a shared or party wall.
🔹 The work could cause structural movement that impacts a neighbour’s property.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check if the wall is load-bearing before starting—removing one without proper support can cause serious structural issues.

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

When Does the Party Wall Act Apply to Internal Work?

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually covers work that affects shared walls, boundaries, or structural supports. It can apply to internal work if:

1️⃣ You’re cutting into a party wall to insert beams or supports.
2️⃣ The work could affect the structural integrity of a shared wall.
3️⃣ Vibrations or movement from the work could cause cracks or damage to a neighbouring property.

💡 Example: Knocking through a kitchen and dining room with a steel beam that rests on a party wall would trigger the Party Wall Act.

What’s a Party Wall Notice for Knocking Through an Internal Wall?

If your internal work affects a shared or party wall, you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbour before starting.

Here’s how it works:

📌 Serve notice at least 2 months before starting work.
📌 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: A quick chat with your neighbour before serving the notice can help avoid disputes.

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

What Happens If My Neighbour Objects?

If your neighbour objects to your plans, don’t panic. Here’s what happens:

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

💡 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 Internal Wall Removal?

A Party Wall Award protects both you and your neighbour and covers:

✔ Details of the work – Including beam placement, structural supports, and methods.
✔ Precautionary measures – To prevent damage to the shared wall or neighbouring property.
✔ Schedule of Condition – A “before” report of your neighbour’s property to avoid false damage claims.
✔ Timelines & working hours – To minimize disruption.

Do I Need Building Control Approval Too?

Yes—if you’re knocking through a load-bearing wall, you’ll need Building Control approval.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

✅ Hire a structural engineer to design the beam or support.
✅ Submit plans to Building Control.
✅ Get inspections during and after the work to ensure it meets regulations.

💡 Pro Tip: Building Control focuses on safety, while the Party Wall Surveyor focuses on protecting neighbouring properties. You often need both.

What Happens If You Ignore the Party Wall Act?

Skipping the Party Wall process can lead to serious problems:

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

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

👉 Contact us today, and we’ll handle it for you.

How Much Does a Party Wall Agreement for Knocking Through an Internal Wall Cost?

💡 Want to save money? Opt for a fixed-fee service and get your neighbour to agree to an Agreed Surveyor.

👉 See our fixed-fee pricing here.

Can I Knock Through an Internal Wall Without My Neighbour’s Permission?

Yes—if the wall isn’t load-bearing or connected to a party wall, you can knock it through without needing permission.

But if the wall:

🔹 Supports a shared party wall
🔹 Requires steel beams that rest on a shared wall
🔹 Or could cause vibrations or movement affecting your neighbour

…then you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice and possibly get a Party Wall Agreement.

💡 Tip: Always double-check with a structural engineer before knocking through any wall.

How to Keep Party Wall Costs Down for Internal Work

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

👉 See our fixed-fee Party Wall services here.

Final Thoughts

Knocking through an internal wall is a great way to open up your space, but if it impacts a shared wall or requires new structural supports, you may need a Party Wall Surveyor.

✔ Serve a Party Wall Notice if needed.
✔ Get Building Control approval for load-bearing walls.
✔ Use a trusted Party Wall Surveyor to avoid legal headaches.

🚀 Ready to knock through that wall?

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