I am starting a home project
If you are looking to make any adjustments to your home such as adding a loft conversion, side extension or wrap around extension, as the building owner you have certain responsibilities towards your neighbour (s).
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The Party Wall Act will cover works such as cutting into the wall for a beam for a loft conversion or inserting damp proof course, raising the party wall height or demolishing it. It also includes digging foundations within 6 meters of your neighbours existing building structure or building on the line of junction.
Key points you will need to be aware of before you start your project:
Talking to your neighbour (s)
In the first instance talk to your neighbours about the works you are planning on undertaking before you give them written notice. If you can sort out any potential problems in advance, they may well give you written agreement.
As your Party Wall Surveyor we will help you serve any notices, prepare schedules of condition (the current condition of the neighbours' property that could be affected) and prepare awards where needed to ensure you can proceed with your home project.
Notifications
All affected adjoining owners and their tenants or leaseholders (if there are any) must be notified of planned works.
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You will need to serve notice one month in advance if you are building on the line of junction or excavation works and two months for any other party wall works.
If you are doing any work that will affect any one living above you such as working on a ceiling or below you, they will also need to be notified.
Agreements
Once you have notified your neighbour (s) of your intended works you will need either an:
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Adjoining Owners written agreement
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Or
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A Party Wall Award (prepared by Party Wall Surveyor)
