Turning a Party Wall Award into real value: Clarendon Place, London W2
posted 26th January 2026
Party Wall matters have a reputation for being technical, time-consuming, and—if mishandled—unexpectedly expensive. But when approached properly, a Party Wall Award can do much more than “tick the box”: it can protect adjoining owners, keep projects moving, and prevent avoidable costs.
A recent instruction at Clarendon Place, London W2 is a great example of how proactive Party Wall surveying delivers practical results.
The project: roof-level works to a five-storey building
Tayross Chartered Building Surveyors were appointed to act for the Adjoining Owner in connection with works next door to a five-storey building. The Building Owner’s proposals included:
• Extending an existing party wall at roof level, and
• Installing structural beams into the party wall to support the works.
These are classic Party Wall etc. Act 1996 items—structural interventions at high level where careful documentation and clear agreement are essential.
A collaborative approach from the outset
From the beginning, Tayross focused on two priorities:
1. Ensuring the Adjoining Owner’s property was properly protected, with a clear written record of condition and agreed safeguards; and
2. Keeping the process constructive, so the Building Owner could proceed without unnecessary delay or escalation.
This meant meeting the other appointed surveyor promptly and progressing straight to the most important practical step: a detailed Schedule of Condition.
The site visit: detailed Schedule of Condition—and a critical find
During the joint inspection, Tayross carried out a thorough Schedule of Condition covering all relevant areas of the Adjoining Owner’s property—exactly what you want before structural works begin.
But an additional issue became immediately apparent:
One of the Adjoining Owner’s windows had been shattered after scaffolding was erected.
This is where experience matters. Damage at this stage can easily turn into dispute later—particularly if it’s not identified early, properly attributed, and formally recorded.
Tayross raised the issue on site and worked directly with the other surveyor to assess what had happened. Importantly, it was possible to agree—then and there—that:
• the damage occurred during the erection of the scaffold, and
• it should be included within the Party Wall Award.
Why that mattered: avoiding a costly and disruptive workaround
That agreement was a big result for the Adjoining Owner.
Without the damage being recognised and dealt with under the Award, the repair could have become far more complex and expensive—potentially requiring an independent scaffold just to access and replace the broken window. On a five-storey building, that sort of temporary access can be extortionately expensive, and it can also add significant delay and disruption.
By capturing the issue early and ensuring it was included in the Award, Tayross helped:
• secure a clear route for repair and reinstatement,
• reduce the risk of disagreement later, and
• avoid unnecessary additional scaffolding costs.
In other words: real-world value, delivered through careful inspection and decisive action.
What this shows about Tayross’ Party Wall service
This Clarendon Place instruction highlights what clients should expect from a Party Wall surveyor—especially when acting for an Adjoining Owner:
1) Attention to detail that protects your property
A Schedule of Condition isn’t just a formality. It’s the foundation of protection if anything changes during the works. Tayross surveys thoroughly and documents clearly.
2) Practical problem-solving, not just paperwork
Identifying the shattered window at the right time—and getting it properly incorporated into the Award—prevented cost and conflict. That’s the difference between “processing” a matter and actively managing it.
3) Calm, professional collaboration
Party Wall matters work best when surveyors can engage constructively. Tayross focuses on achieving fair outcomes efficiently, without losing sight of the Adjoining Owner’s rights.
4) Clear, enforceable Awards
A well-drafted Award should anticipate risks, define responsibilities, and make the post-works process straightforward. Tayross ensures protections are in place and obligations are clear.
Need a Party Wall surveyor in London?
Whether you’re a Building Owner planning works or an Adjoining Owner seeking protection, Tayross Chartered Building Surveyors can guide you through the Party Wall process with a professional, pragmatic approach—protecting your property and helping avoid unnecessary cost.
If you’d like support with:
• Party Wall Notices and Awards
• Schedules of Condition
• Roof-level/structural party wall works
• Resolving damage issues fairly and efficiently
…Tayross are ready to help.
