Party Wall Awards
Preparing the formal Party Wall Award that sets out how works will proceed, access rights and cost allocation.
Party Wall Awards for Derby Properties
Once a dispute is deemed to have arisen under the Act — whether through dissent to a notice or no response at all — the appointed surveyor or surveyors prepare a Party Wall Award. This is the formal, legally binding document that sets out how the works can proceed.
An Award typically covers what work is permitted, how and when it can be carried out, access arrangements to neighbouring land where needed, and a schedule of condition recording the state of the adjoining property before work begins.
The schedule of condition is particularly important, since it provides a clear record to refer back to if any damage is alleged once works are underway or complete — protecting both the Building Owner and Adjoining Owner from unfounded or exaggerated claims.
We prepare Awards that are clear, proportionate to the actual works involved, and genuinely useful as a reference document throughout the project, not just a formality to get signed off.
Party Wall Award Contents
Permitted Works
A clear description of what work is authorised to proceed.
Schedule of Condition
A recorded condition survey of the adjoining property before work begins.
Access Rights
Terms for accessing neighbouring land where required for the works.
Working Hours & Methods
Conditions on when and how works can be carried out.
Cost Allocation
Setting out who is responsible for surveyor and works-related costs.
Dispute Resolution
The process for resolving any disagreements that arise during the works.
Party Wall Awards — Common Questions
Yes, a Party Wall Award is a legally binding document, though either party has a right of appeal to the county court within 14 days of it being served.
This varies depending on the complexity of the works and how quickly access can be arranged for the schedule of condition, but straightforward cases can often be resolved within a few weeks.
The schedule of condition prepared as part of the Award provides a reference point to assess any alleged damage, and the Award itself typically sets out how such issues should be resolved.
Yes, if the scope of works changes significantly, a further or amended Award may be needed to cover the revised works properly.