If you’re planning works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or nearby foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires a legal process to protect you and your neighbour. At the heart of this process is the Party Wall Award (sometimes called a Party Wall Agreement).
This guide explains:
- What a Party Wall Award is
- When it is required
- How surveyors prepare it
- What protections it gives both parties
- Typical costs and timelines
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
At Echelon Party Wall Surveyors, we prepare Awards across Staffordshire, the West Midlands, and throughout the UK. Call 01543 52 37 37 for advice today.
What Is a Party Wall Award?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document produced by surveyor(s) under the Party Wall Act. It sets out the rights, obligations, and conditions for building works that affect an adjoining property.
It protects both owners by:
- Defining which works are permitted.
- Setting out how and when they may be carried out.
- Recording the pre-works condition of the adjoining property.
- Establishing a process for making good any damage.
- Granting temporary access rights where needed.
Without an Award, building works may be unlawful and open to challenge in court.
When Is a Party Wall Award Required?
An Award is required when:
- A Party Wall Notice has been served and the neighbour dissents (objects).
- A neighbour fails to respond within 14 days (deemed dissent).
- Disputes arise over the scope or impact of proposed works.
If your neighbour consents in writing, you may proceed without an Award — but we always recommend a Schedule of Condition to record property condition first.
The Party Wall Award Process
The process follows clear legal steps:
- Notice served → You serve a valid Party Wall Notice.
- Response → If neighbour dissents or ignores, surveyors are appointed.
- Surveyor(s) appointed → Either one Agreed Surveyor acts for both parties, or each appoints their own.
- Schedule of Condition → The surveyor(s) record the condition of the neighbour’s property with photos and notes.
- Drafting the Award → The surveyor(s) prepare the Award, covering works, method statements, access, protections, and damage clauses.
- Award served → Signed copies are delivered to both parties.
- Implementation → Works proceed under the Award’s terms.
What Does a Party Wall Award Contain?
While each Award is tailored, common clauses include:
- Details of the works: scope, method, and drawings.
- Working hours: when noisy or disruptive work may be carried out.
- Access rights: when surveyors, contractors, or builders may enter the neighbour’s land.
- Schedule of Condition: baseline evidence to protect both sides.
- Damage provisions: responsibility for repairs and making good.
- Cost allocation: who pays surveyors’ fees and remedial works.
- Dispute resolution: how variations or disagreements will be handled.
How Much Does a Party Wall Award Cost?
Costs vary depending on:
- The complexity of works.
- Whether one or two surveyors are appointed.
- The level of detail required in the Award.
Typically:
- One Agreed Surveyor: £800–£1,500.
- Two Surveyors: £1,500–£3,000+.
In most cases, the building owner (who benefits from the works) pays all reasonable fees.
How Long Does It Take?
From dissent to Award:
- Straightforward projects: 2–4 weeks.
- Complex works (e.g., basements): 6–12 weeks.
Starting early avoids delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Serving invalid notices that trigger unnecessary disputes.
- Assuming neighbour consent is enough without documentation.
- Starting works before the Award is served.
- Skipping the Schedule of Condition (leaving you exposed to damage claims).
Why Work With Echelon Party Wall Surveyors?
- Specialist knowledge: Clear, compliant Awards every time.
- Fast turnaround: Preventing project delays.
- Fixed fees: No surprise costs.
- Local coverage: Serving Staffordshire, West Midlands, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Leicestershire.
📞 Call 01543 52 37 37 or request a free consultation at
Contact for Party Wall Help – Echelon Party Wall Surveyors
Related Resources
- Party Wall Notice Guide
- Schedule of Condition Guide
- FAQ: What is the difference between a Party Wall Notice and a Party Wall Award?
Conclusion
The Party Wall Award is a safeguard, not a hurdle. It allows building works to proceed lawfully while protecting neighbourly relations. With the right professional support, the process is straightforward and your project can stay on track.
