How Long Does the Party Wall Process Take?
It depends on the project, how much information is available to the surveyor(s) and how quickly other parties respond. But below is an example of a typical timeline for a straightforward project such as a loft conversion or extension.
Party Wall Timeline
1. Initial Contact and Agreement
Day 1-2: Initial Contact
Discuss the project with the adjoining owner(s).
Explain the need for a Party Wall Agreement.
Day 3-5: Notice Preparation
Prepare and draft the Party Wall Notice(s).
Day 5-7: Notice Service
Serve the Party Wall Notice(s) to the adjoining owner(s) via post or hand delivery.
Allow at least 14 days for a response.
2. Response from Adjoining Owner(s)
Day 15-20: Adjoining Owner’s Response
If the adjoining owner(s) consents: proceed to work.
If the adjoining owner(s) dissent or do not respond: proceed to appoint a surveyor.
3. Surveyor Appointment
Day 21-28: Appointment of Surveyor(s)
If there’s a dissent, appoint a single agreed surveyor or separate surveyors for each party.
Surveyors schedule a site visit to assess the situation.
4. Schedule of Condition
Day 29-35: Surveyor Site Visit
Surveyor(s) visit the site and prepare a Schedule of Condition report for the adjoining property.
Day 36-42: Review of Condition Report
Review the Schedule of Condition with the client and adjoining owner(s) for accuracy.
5. Drafting and Serving the Party Wall Award
Day 43-50: Drafting the Party Wall Award
Surveyor(s) draft the Party Wall Award outlining the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
Day 51-55: Serve the Party Wall Award
The Award is served to both the building owner and adjoining owner(s).
There is a 14-day period in which the Award can be appealed.
6. Starting Work
Day 56-60: Final Preparations
Ensure all parties are in agreement.
Prepare for construction work to commence.
Day 61+: Commence Construction Work
Begin construction work as per the agreed Party Wall Award.
Comments