Party Walls Limited Checklist for Homeowners

Before You Start Planning Your Project

❑  Understand what work is covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Does your project include:

• Building on or near the boundary line
• Cutting into a party wall (e.g. for beams)
• Excavating within 3 or 6 metres of a neighbour’s property
• Raising, thickening, or demolishing part of a party wall

❑  Know your legal obligations
The Act is mandatory, not optional. It’s a legal requirement for affected works.

❑  Separate planning permission from party wall requirements
Getting planning approval does not mean you’ve met your obligations under the Act.

When You’re Ready to Proceed

❑  Identify affected neighbours
Anyone who shares a wall, structure, or is within the relevant excavation distance.

❑  Serve Party Wall Notices
Use the correct format (Section 1, 3, or 6 Notices) and include:

• A clear description of works (you are likely to need architectural and/or engineering drawings to accompany your notice!)
• Dates
• Contact details

       ➤ You must serve notice at least 1 month (party structure) or 2 months (excavation/new wall) before work begins.

❑  Allow 14 days for response
If your neighbour agrees in writing, you’re good to go!
If they dissent or don’t reply it is treated as a dispute.

If a Dispute Arises

❑  Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor
Either:

• One Agreed Surveyor for both parties
• Or one surveyor each (you and your neighbour)

❑  Surveyors will prepare a Party Wall Award
This outlines:

• What you can do
• How you must protect your neighbour’s property
• When and how work is done
• Access arrangements, if needed

❑  Expect a Schedule of Condition
A photographic and written record of the neighbour’s property before work starts, to protect both sides.

Budget & Timing to Consider

❑  Plan ahead — the process takes time
A full dispute resolution and Award can take 4–8 weeks, sometimes more.

❑  Factor in surveyor costs
Typically the building owner (you) pays, unless the neighbour causes unreasonable delay or expense.

❑  Delay can mean extra costs
Builders waiting on site can cost you more than getting a Party Wall Surveyor involved early.

Good Practice Tips

❑  Talk to your neighbours early — good communication avoids most disputes.
❑  Use a qualified, experienced Party Wall Surveyor — not just any general surveyor.
❑  Don’t guess — ask! If in doubt, a 15-minute call can save weeks of headaches.
❑  Keep written records of all notices, replies, and agreements.

Final Word

Don’t let paperwork delay your project.

Start the Party Wall process as early as possible — you’ll thank yourself later.

Need help or a free consultation?
Get in touch with one of our experienced Party Wall Surveyors today using the details on the footer.

Contact details:
📧 info@partywallslimited.com
📞 020 8877 0365

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