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Tel: 07977981663
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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© 2026 Principle Party Wall Surveyors, All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. Principle Party Wall Surveyors Registered in England and Wales | Company No. 17100991 Registered Office: [58 Kingsway, Staines Upon Thames, Surrey, TW19 7QE]

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute formal legal advise. Every property matters unique; we recommend discussing your specific circumstances with us directly or seeking independent legal counsel before taking action under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

About Us

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Our Services

Our servicesHelping you navigate your project with clarity and confidence.Expert Consultation
Unsure if the Act applies to your extension, loft conversion, or renovation? We provide expert advice to clarify your responsibilities and streamline the process.Party Wall Notices & Schedules
We prepare and serve all necessary legal Notices under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, ensuring your project remains compliant from day one. Serving the correct legal documentation tailored to your specific project (Section 1, 3, or 6).Schedules of Condition
We provide detailed, photographic documentation of neighboring properties. This acts as essential protection for both building owners and neighbors, mitigating the risk of future disputes.
Party Wall Awards
As your appointed Surveyor, we manage the formal process, negotiate the technical details, and produce a legally binding Party Wall Award that protects your interests.Building Owner Surveyor
If you are planning work that falls under the Act, we handle the entire statutory process. From serving valid Notices to preparing a Schedule of Condition and agreeing on the Party Wall Award, we ensure your project remains compliant and on schedule.
Adjoining Owner Surveyor
Has your neighbour served you a Party Wall Notice? We act on your behalf to protect your property interests. We review the proposed works, record the current state of your property, and ensure an Award is in place to safeguard you against potential damage.
Agreed Surveyor
To keep costs down and the process simple, both neighbours can appoint a single "Agreed Surveyor." In this role, we act impartially for both parties to resolve disputes and administer the Act efficiently and fairly.

Principle Party Wall Surveyors [Ismat Shawkat] - Staines

Meet the Founder

Expertise Built Over 30 Years

Ismat Shawkat | BSc Engineering Technology – Building & Construction | Certified Party Wall Surveyor CertPWS MIPWS

Principle Party Wall Surveyors Ltd was founded to bring elite technical expertise and common-sense solutions to the party wall process. We believe that professional surveying should protect your property while keeping your construction project on track and your neighbourly relationships intact.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the building and construction industry and a BSc degree, Ismat Shawkat brings a rare depth of practical knowledge to every instruction. His career has spanned the full spectrum of the built environment, providing him with an "under-the-hood" understanding of how buildings actually behave during structural alterations.
After three decades in construction, I’ve seen firsthand how poorly managed boundary matters can stall great projects. I founded Principle Party Wall Surveyors Ltd to ensure homeowners have access to an expert who speaks the language of builders, architects, and neighbours alike.Our Core Values: The Principle Approach• 30 Years of Technical Insight
• Unwavering Impartiality
• Precision & Protection
• Conflict ResolutionWhy Choose a Surveyor with 30 Years of Experience?1. Expert Risk Assessment: We can spot structural nuances that less experienced surveyors might miss.
2. Builder-Ready Advice: We speak the same language as your contractors, ensuring the Party Wall Award is practical and easy to follow on-site.
3. Instant Credibility: Neighbours are far more likely to trust an "Agreed Surveyor" who has three decades of proven industry experience.

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Provide a few details about your project below, and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your Party Wall requirements.

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Areas We Cover

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FAQ

1. What is the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?The Act is a legal framework designed to prevent and resolve disputes between neighbors when one owner plans to carry out building work that involves a shared wall, boundary, or excavations near a neighboring building.2. When do I need to serve a Party Wall Notice?You generally need to serve notice if you are:• Building on or at the boundary line.• Working on an existing party wall (e.g., cutting in for a loft conversion or damp proofing).• Excavating within 3 or 6 meters of a neighbor’s building (depending on the depth of your new foundations).3. How much notice do I need to give my neighbor?For most works on a party wall, you must give two months' notice. For excavations or building a new wall on the boundary, one month's notice is required. It is always best to start the process early to avoid project delays.4. Who pays the surveyor’s fees?In the vast majority of cases, the Building Owner (the person carrying out the work) is responsible for the professional fees of both their own surveyor and the neighbor’s surveyor. This ensures the neighbor is protected at no cost to themselves.5. Can my neighbor stop my building work?No. The Act is not intended to prevent someone from exercising their right to build. However, it ensures that the work is carried out in a way that protects the neighbor’s property and provides a clear legal path if any damage occurs.

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The Party Wall Guide & Tips

Tip #04 | 01 May 2026
The Power of the "Pre-Notice" Chat
The Gist: Before legal paperwork arrives on a neighbour’s doorstep, an informal conversation can set the tone for the entire project. Formal Party Wall Notices can look intimidating to those unfamiliar with the law; a friendly "heads-up" transforms a cold legal requirement into a neighbourly courtesy.
Key Fact: A neighbour who feels "blindsided" by a formal notice is statistically more likely to dissent and appoint their own independent surveyor. This can immediately add significant costs and several weeks of delays to your project timeline.
Action: Before serving your formal Section 1, 2, or 6 Notices, drop by for a chat or send a friendly letter explaining:
* What you are planning to build.
* How long you expect it to take.
* That you’ll be following the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to ensure their property is fully protected.

Tip #03 | 10 April 2026
Cutting into a Party Wall
The Gist: Planning to insert steel beams into a shared wall for a loft conversion? This is a "Section 2" move.
Key Fact: You must give your neighbor two months' notice before work starts, unless they agree to a shorter period.
Action: Serve your notices at least 10 weeks before your builder is due to arrive on-site.

Tip #02 | 10 April 2026
Who pays the Surveyor’s fees?
The Gist: Usually, the "Building Owner" (the person doing the work) pays the fees for both surveyors.
Key Fact: The Adjoining Owner only pays if the work is for their benefit or due to their own negligence.
Action: Budget for professional fees early to avoid unexpected costs during the construction phase.

Tip #01 | 03 April 2026
The 14-Day "Silence" Rule
The Gist: If a neighbor doesn't respond to a notice in 14 days, the law assumes a "dispute." Silence is not consent.
Key Fact: You must serve a 10-day follow-up notice (Section 10(4)) before you can proceed.
Action: On Day 15, trigger the follow-up letter immediately to prevent project delays.

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