Technical
In-depth guidance on the finer points of the Act — special foundations, making-use and section 11(11) costs, security for expenses, appeals, third surveyors and surveyor conduct.
Written by a surveyor
- Karmjit Grewal
- Party Wall Surveyor
- Plain-English guidance
19 articles
Consent for special foundations and underpinning
Question: Can a surveyor appointed by a building owner on behalf of an adjoining owner under section 10(4) consent to special foundations for that adjoining owner? Can the adj…
Fees & costsCalculating making use costs
Making use costs are often referred to as enclosure costs, but "making use" is usually the clearer phrase.
Awards & processWhat makes a good first party wall award?
A good party wall award should be clear, fair and specific to the works being carried out.
Guidance & insightThe advising engineer in party wall matters
An advising engineer can play a valuable role in party wall matters, but only when their role is properly limited. Overuse or misuse can create unnecessary cost and confusion.
Guidance & insightAdvising engineers in party wall matters: roles, limits and best practice
An advising engineer can help surveyors understand structural risk, but their role is often misunderstood. Used well, they add value. Used badly, they add cost without improvi…
Guidance & insightCritique of the Pyramus & Thisbe guidance note 10
Guidance note 10 deals with engineering input in party wall matters. In our view, it would benefit from revision because modern party wall work needs clearer guidance on appoi…
Guidance & insightLimitations of the RICS Party Wall Act guidance
The RICS Party Wall legislation and procedure guidance is widely used by surveyors, but in our view it does not fully meet the practical needs of the public or the profession.
Disputes & enforcementCourts, commentary and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a short Act, but its practical application has been shaped by a significant body of court decisions and related legal principles.
Awards & processFunctus officio and party wall surveyors
Functus officio is a Latin phrase meaning "having performed one’s office". In simple terms, it means that once a decision-maker has made a final decision, their job on that pa…
Awards & processThe role of post-work inspections under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not require a routine post-work inspection in every case. The purpose of the Act is to regulate notifiable works and resolve disputes. A post…
Awards & processThe role of the third surveyor
The third surveyor is selected by the two appointed surveyors at the outset of the dispute resolution process. Their role is to determine matters that the appointed surveyors,…
Awards & processWhat makes a good third surveyor?
A good third surveyor can rescue a difficult party wall matter. A poor one can make it more expensive, slower and less fair.
Awards & processWhy party wall surveyors must not give private opinions outside an award
Once surveyors are appointed under section 10 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, they are statutory dispute resolvers. They are not agents, advocates or private advisers for the…
Fees & costsBest practice for preparing a party wall surveyor's timesheet
A party wall surveyor’s timesheet should not be a vague list created after the event. It should be a clear, accurate record of work actually carried out.
Fees & costsTypes of work that may justify security for expenses
Section 12 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 allows an adjoining owner to request security for expenses where the building owner is exercising rights under the Act.
Fees & costsWhen can an adjoining owner request security for expenses?
Security for expenses is one of the most important protections available to an adjoining owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. It is also one of the most misunderstood.
Awards & processShould I appeal a party wall award?
Appealing a party wall award is possible, but it is a serious step. It can be expensive, time-consuming and uncertain.
Guidance & insightFree lunchtime CPD for property professionals
Coburns Party Wall offers free lunchtime CPD sessions for property professionals, including architects, engineers, housing associations, developers and local authorities.
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