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Kent Party Wall Surveyor | Party Wall Surveyors Kent
London Party Wall Surveyors Covering All Of London
Who’s Doing The Work?
- Party Wall Surveyors Kent
Making Party Wall Agreements Easy, Affordable, and Stress-Free—The Kent Way.
We believe the Party Wall Act should be about cooperation, not conflict. That’s why we always aim for an outcome that’s fair and keeps everyone on good terms. Whether you’re planning work on your home or your neighbour’s project might affect your property, our Fixed Price Party Wall Surveyors Kent are here to keep things easy, amicable, and budget-friendly.
3 Steps To Preserve Neighbourly Peace (And Your Sanity!)
01. Serve Notice
Start by letting your neighbours know about your planned work in a straightforward, formal way. This is the first step to keeping everyone informed and on the same page.
02. Carry Out Inspections
We’ll conduct a professional inspection of the shared wall, ensuring everyone’s interests are protected. This helps to establish the current condition of the property so there are no surprises later.
03. Produce an Award
Finally, we produce a Party Wall Award, a formal document outlining the agreed terms. This ensures the work can proceed smoothly, with everyone’s rights and responsibilities clearly set out.
Get in touch
Check out our transparent pricing and get in touch for free advice and a no-obligation quote. Let’s get your project moving—without the hassle.
Surv Essex Limited
Building 13, Thames Enterprise Centre, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, RM18 8RH
01375 267277
hello@fixedpricepartywall.co.uk
Kent Party Wall Surveyors - Your Questions Answered
Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor Kent ensures your construction project complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our experienced Kent party wall surveyors help homeowners, developers, and builders resolve disputes, serve notices, and protect properties.
What is a Party Wall Surveyor in Kent?
A party wall surveyor in Kent is a qualified expert who ensures construction work affecting shared walls, boundaries, and excavations complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Their role includes:
- Serving and responding to party wall notices.
- Resolving disputes between property owners.
- Drafting and issuing party wall agreements (party wall awards).
- Protecting both building owners and adjoining owners during construction.
For loft conversions, extensions, or basement excavations, hiring a Kent party wall surveyor ensures legal compliance.
Do I need a Party Wall Surveyor in Kent?
If your project affects a shared wall, boundary, or nearby excavation, you must follow the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. You need a **Kent party wall surveyor** if:
- You are building on or at the boundary of two properties.
- Your work affects an existing party wall.
- You are excavating within 3-6 meters of a neighbor’s foundation.
Hiring a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** helps you comply with legal requirements and avoid disputes.
What does a Party Wall Agreement include?
A **party wall agreement** is a legal document prepared by a **Kent party wall surveyor** that outlines:
- Details of the construction work and its effect on the party wall.
- A schedule of condition documenting the neighboring property.
- Protective measures to minimize potential damage.
- The surveyor’s authority to resolve disputes.
If neighbors dissent, each can appoint their own **party wall surveyor in Kent** to oversee the process.
What happens if my neighbor refuses a Party Wall Notice?
If your neighbor does not consent within 14 days, a **party wall dispute** arises, requiring a **Kent party wall surveyor**. The process involves:
- Reviewing construction plans.
- Assessing potential impact on the adjoining property.
- Issuing a legally binding party wall award.
If the neighbor refuses to engage, you can appoint a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** on their behalf under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
How much does a Party Wall Surveyor in Kent cost?
The cost of hiring a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** depends on the project complexity. Typical costs:
- Serving a Party Wall Notice: £100 - £250
- Party Wall Agreement (Award): £750 - £1,500
- Schedule of Condition Report: £300 - £600
If both parties appoint an **agreed party wall surveyor**, costs are lower. Two separate **Kent party wall surveyors** may increase costs.
Kent Party Wall Surveyors - Understanding the Process
Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor Kent ensures your construction project complies with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our expert Kent party wall surveyors handle everything from serving notices to resolving disputes and issuing legally binding awards.
What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
The **Party Wall etc. Act 1996** regulates building work that affects shared walls, boundaries, and excavations near neighboring properties. It ensures that both **building owners** and **adjoining owners** are legally protected.
A **Kent party wall surveyor** helps by:
- Serving and managing **party wall notices**.
- Helping neighbors reach a formal **party wall agreement**.
- Issuing legally binding **party wall awards** to prevent disputes.
If you're carrying out work near a shared boundary, hiring a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** ensures full compliance.
What types of work require a Party Wall Notice in Kent?
If you are planning construction that affects a **party wall**, you must serve a **party wall notice**. Common projects requiring notice include:
- Building an **extension** up to or near a shared boundary.
- Cutting into a party wall for **loft conversions**.
- Excavating foundations for **basement conversions**.
- Removing chimney breasts attached to a shared wall.
- Rebuilding or altering a **boundary wall**.
Need help? A **Kent party wall surveyor** will assess whether your project requires a notice.
How long does a Party Wall Notice take to process?
The party wall notice process follows a legal timeline:
- The **building owner** must serve a notice at least **2 months** before starting work.
- The **adjoining owner** has **14 days** to **consent** or **dispute** the notice.
- If no response is received, it is considered a **dispute**, and surveyors must be appointed.
- A **party wall award** can take an additional **4–6 weeks** to finalize.
A **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** ensures a smooth and legally compliant process.
Can I serve my own Party Wall Notice?
Yes, but serving a **party wall notice** yourself can lead to mistakes that result in **disputes and legal delays**. A **Kent party wall surveyor** ensures:
- The correct **legal wording** is used.
- All **required details** are included.
- Neighbors fully understand their **rights and responsibilities**.
- Disputes are handled **professionally and fairly**.
If your neighbor **dissents** or ignores the notice, a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** must be involved.
What is a Schedule of Condition?
A **Schedule of Condition** is a formal report prepared by a **Kent party wall surveyor** to document the condition of an adjoining property before work begins. It includes:
- Photographs and detailed descriptions of existing **walls, ceilings, and floors**.
- Records of **pre-existing cracks, damage, or defects**.
- A legally recognized document to **resolve disputes** if damage occurs.
This report protects both property owners and provides peace of mind.
Kent Party Wall Surveyors - Legal Requirements Explained
If you're planning construction near a shared wall, hiring a Party Wall Surveyor Kent is essential. Our expert Kent party wall surveyors ensure full compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, helping property owners avoid disputes and legal complications.
What is a Party Wall Award?
A **Party Wall Award** is a legally binding document issued by a **Kent party wall surveyor** when a dispute arises. It includes:
- Details of the proposed work and its impact on the party wall.
- Legal obligations for both the **building owner** and **adjoining owner**.
- Protective measures to **prevent damage**.
- A **Schedule of Condition** recording the neighboring property’s state.
If an agreement cannot be reached, a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** will issue the award to settle the matter.
Can a Party Wall Surveyor stop my project?
No, a **Kent party wall surveyor** cannot stop your project, but they ensure the correct legal processes are followed. Ignoring the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can lead to:
- Legal disputes that delay or halt construction.
- Potential fines or penalties.
- Additional costs to correct non-compliant work.
Hiring a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** helps prevent costly legal issues.
What happens if I don’t serve a Party Wall Notice?
Failing to serve a **party wall notice** can have serious consequences, including:
- Your neighbor seeking a **court injunction** to stop the work.
- Legal action forcing you to **remove or alter** completed work.
- Liability for **damage claims** if your project affects the neighbor’s property.
A **Kent party wall surveyor** ensures all notices are served correctly, avoiding legal issues.
How long does a Party Wall Award remain valid?
A **Party Wall Award** is valid for **12 months** from the date it is issued. If work does not start within this period:
- The **party wall process must be restarted**.
- A **new notice** must be served to the adjoining owner.
- A fresh **Schedule of Condition** may be required.
To avoid delays, consult a **Kent party wall surveyor** before beginning work.
What if my neighbor appoints a different Party Wall Surveyor?
If your neighbor appoints their own **party wall surveyor**, both surveyors will work together as a **two-surveyor tribunal** to resolve disputes fairly. Their responsibilities include:
- Reviewing construction plans and assessing risks.
- Agreeing on protective measures to **prevent damage**.
- Issuing a legally binding **party wall award**.
If both owners agree, a single **agreed Party Wall Surveyor Kent** can act for both parties, reducing costs and streamlining the process.
Kent Party Wall Surveyors - Common Concerns & Solutions
Whether you’re planning a loft conversion, extension, or basement excavation, a Party Wall Surveyor Kent ensures full compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our experienced Kent party wall surveyors are here to answer common concerns and provide solutions.
What if my neighbor ignores the Party Wall Notice?
If your neighbor does not respond within **14 days**, they are considered to have "dissented" by default. This means a **party wall dispute** arises, and a **Kent party wall surveyor** must be appointed to resolve the matter.
In this case:
- You must appoint a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** to act on your behalf.
- Your neighbor can either appoint their own surveyor or agree to use the same one.
- The appointed surveyor(s) will issue a **Party Wall Award** to regulate the work.
Ignoring a **party wall notice** does not stop the work, but it does require surveyor involvement to ensure legal compliance.
Can I start building before the Party Wall Award is issued?
No, you cannot legally begin work until the **Party Wall Award** has been agreed upon and signed by the surveyor(s). If you start before the process is complete:
- Your neighbor may seek a **court injunction** to halt construction.
- You could be forced to **alter or demolish** non-compliant work.
- Any damage caused could lead to **legal claims and compensation costs**.
To avoid costly delays, consult a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** before starting any construction work.
What if my property is damaged by my neighbor’s construction?
If your neighbor’s building work damages your property, a **Kent party wall surveyor** can help resolve the issue. The process usually involves:
- Reviewing the **Schedule of Condition** taken before work began.
- Assessing the extent and cause of the damage.
- Determining responsibility and arranging necessary repairs.
- Ensuring the building owner covers the cost of rectifying any damage.
A **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** ensures all damage claims are fairly assessed and resolved under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What are the rights of the adjoining owner?
As an **adjoining owner**, you have legal rights under the **Party Wall etc. Act 1996** to protect your property when your neighbor carries out construction work. These rights include:
- The right to be notified in advance of any planned works.
- The right to **dissent** and appoint a **Kent party wall surveyor** to represent your interests.
- The right to request a **Schedule of Condition** before work begins.
- The right to claim for any damage caused by the work.
If you have concerns, a **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** can guide you through your legal rights and options.
Do Party Wall Surveyors work for homeowners and developers?
Yes, **Kent party wall surveyors** work with both **homeowners** and **developers** to ensure compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Whether you are:
- A **homeowner** planning an extension, loft conversion, or basement excavation.
- A **developer** working on multi-unit residential or commercial properties.
- A **property investor** needing legal clarity on party wall matters.
A **Party Wall Surveyor Kent** ensures that the correct legal processes are followed to protect all parties involved.
