RISK 01
Injunction
An adjoining owner can apply to court to halt the works. A stoppage mid-project is costly, delays completion and can sour relations badly.
Already started work?
Started work without serving notice?
It happens more often than you’d think — and it can usually be put right. A retrospective party wall award regularises work already under way and protects both you and your neighbour.
Don’t panic — act quickly
- We can act for either owner
- Often resolved without stopping work
- Protects you against later claims
The situation
What is a retrospective award?
A way to bring works that began without the proper notice back within the framework of the Act.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 expects notice to be served before work begins. But plenty of projects start without it — sometimes because no one realised the Act applied, sometimes because a builder pressed on. Once work has started, you cannot serve a valid notice for work already done.
Where a genuine dispute exists, surveyors can still be appointed under section 10 to resolve it — producing what is commonly called a retrospective award. It records the condition of the affected property, addresses any damage already caused, and sets out how the remaining works should proceed. It is the practical route back to compliance, and it protects both owners.
Putting it right
How we help
A calm, practical route back to compliance — usually without stopping your project.
1
Quick assessment
Tell us what has been done and what’s left. We confirm whether the Act applies and what the sensible next step is. Free, same-day where we can.
2
Open the dialogue
We approach your neighbour properly and professionally — often defusing tension and avoiding the threat of an injunction.
3
Record the condition
We prepare a schedule of condition for the affected property now, so any existing or future damage can be assessed fairly.
4
Agree the award
Surveyors settle the terms for the remaining works and deal with any damage — bringing the matter back within the Act and protecting you both.
Common questions
Quick answers
Will I have to stop work?
Not usually. Where both sides engage sensibly, the remaining works can continue under an agreed framework. A forced stoppage is most likely only where an adjoining owner seeks an injunction — which early, professional handling helps avoid.
My neighbour is already upset — can this still work?
Yes. A neutral surveyor changes the tone of the conversation. Our job is to resolve the matter fairly, which is often exactly what reassures an anxious neighbour.
What if damage has already happened?
It can still be addressed. Surveyors assess the damage and determine a fair remedy. Getting a condition record in place now prevents the problem growing.
How fast can you act?
Quickly — this is time-sensitive. Call us and we’ll start straight away.
Work already under way?
The sooner we’re involved, the easier it is to resolve. Call 0207 11 88 3 55 today.
Let’s put it right
Tell us where things stand and we’ll guide you back to safe ground — protecting you and your neighbour.
Act for either ownerFast responseNo obligation
Note: This page is a plain-English overview of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 for general information only. It is not legal or professional advice and is not a substitute for advice on your specific circumstances. For guidance on your matter, please get in touch.