Party Wall Advice
for Adjoining Owners
A COBURNS PARTY WALL PROJECT
Home / Damage & Repairs / Repairs or payment — which should I choose?
Damage & Repairs

Repairs or payment — which should I choose?

If responsibility for damage is accepted, decide whether you want the building owner to arrange repairs or whether you prefer a reasonable payment.
Clear, practical guidanceThis article is written for adjoining owners. For advice about your own notice, award or neighbour’s works, speak to Coburns Party Wall.
Ask a surveyor →

Building owner arranges the repair

Ask for a clear scope, competent insured contractor, protection of occupied areas and a reasonable timetable.

You arrange the repair

Obtain comparable quotations where practical. Where quotes are in a similar range, the average can be a sensible starting point for discussing reasonable compensation.

Avoid windfalls and under-settlement

The objective is reasonable reinstatement or compensation, not making a profit from the damage or accepting an amount that plainly cannot fund the necessary work.

Record the agreement

Confirm what has been accepted, what the payment covers and whether any issue remains outstanding.

Key takeaway

Choose the route that gives you confidence the property will be put right promptly and properly.

This page provides general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and common practice. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice on the facts of a particular matter.