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When Should I Instruct My Builders in a Party Wall Matter?

Updated: May 21

RICS party wall surveyor

One of the most common issues we see in Party Wall matters is homeowners booking builders too early — often before the Party Wall process has properly concluded.


At Rellim Surveyors, we completely understand why this happens. Clients are eager to get projects moving, contractors want start dates confirmed, and everyone naturally hopes the process will move quickly. However, Party Wall matters can introduce variables that are outside anybody’s direct control.


The good news is that with early planning and the right advice, many delays and frustrations can often be reduced significantly.



Why Timing Matters in Party Wall Projects

Many people assume Party Wall matters simply involve serving a notice and waiting a few days. In reality, the process can involve several stages depending on the type of works and the neighbouring owners involved.


These can include:

  • Statutory notice periods 

  • Surveyor appointments 

  • Reviewing technical drawings 

  • Structural engineer input 

  • Schedules of Condition 

  • Negotiation of Awards 

  • Revisions to proposed works 

  • Coordination between multiple owners 

Some matters progress very smoothly. Others can become more complex unexpectedly.

This is why we always encourage clients to seek advice as early as possible ideally before committing to fixed construction dates.

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Speak to Rellim Surveyors Early for Guidance





The Risks of Booking Builders Too Soon


One of the biggest pressures introduced into Party Wall matters comes from contractors already being booked before agreements are finalised.


This can sometimes lead to:

  • Builders needing to be rescheduled 

  • Additional scaffold or skip costs 

  • Increased frustration between neighbours 

  • Pressure being placed on surveyors and adjoining owners 

  • Unrealistic expectations around legal timescales 


Importantly, even where everyone is acting promptly, there are still legal processes that must be followed correctly under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.


At Rellim Surveyors, we actively work to help matters progress as efficiently as possible through:

  • Early review of drawings 

  • Prompt notice preparation 

  • Clear communication 

  • Monitoring responses closely 

  • Chasing outstanding matters where appropriate 

  • Helping clients understand realistic timelines from the outset 

Good preparation early on often makes a significant difference later in the process.





Common Variables That Can Affect Timescales

Every Party Wall matter is different, and even well-organised projects can encounter delays.

Some common examples include:

  • Adjoining owners taking time to respond 

  • Multiple neighbouring properties being involved 

  • Revised drawings after notices are served 

  • Structural calculations being updated 

  • Access difficulties for inspections 

  • Holidays or unavailable parties 

  • Separate surveyors needing additional review time 

These are all very normal parts of the process and not necessarily signs that anything has gone wrong.

Homeowners discussing Party Wall matters with a RICS surveyor

So, When Should Builders Be Instructed?

In most cases, we recommend:

  • Obtaining Party Wall advice early 

  • Allowing sensible contingency within your programme 

  • Avoiding non-refundable contractor commitments too early 

  • Discussing provisional dates with builders initially 

  • Waiting until the Party Wall position becomes clearer before fully committing 

This approach usually creates a far smoother and less stressful experience overall.


Unsure Whether Your Works Are Notifiable?




Early Advice Often Saves Time Later

Many delays in Party Wall matters actually stem from projects starting the process too late rather than too early.

Seeking guidance at the planning stage allows potential issues to be identified sooner and helps create more realistic expectations for everybody involved.

Whether you are planning:

  • A rear extension 

  • Loft conversion 

  • Chimney breast removal 

  • Basement works 

  • Structural alterations 

  • Excavation near neighbouring properties 

Obtaining early advice can help projects move forward more smoothly and with fewer surprises.


RICS party wall surveyor explaining the Party Wall process, including notices, inspections, awards and adjoining owner agreements.


Learn More About Our Party Wall Services


At Rellim Surveyors, our aim is always to provide practical, clear and proactive guidance while helping clients progress matters as efficiently and professionally as possible.



Rellim Surveyors Ltd


Where Excellence Comes as Standard.


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