If you are planning an extension, loft conversion or structural works close to your neighbour’s property in Croydon, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.
A party wall surveyor in Croydon can review your plans, identify whether notices are required and help ensure the correct procedure is followed before work begins.
When Does the Party Wall Act Apply?
The Act generally covers three types of building work:
Building on or Near the Boundary – Section 1
If your extension includes a new wall built on or up to the boundary line, you may need to serve a Line of Junction Notice.
This is particularly common with rear and side extensions in Croydon.
Work to an Existing Party Wall – Section 2
Works directly affecting a shared party wall can be notifiable, including:
- Cutting steel beams into a party wall
- Removing chimney breasts
- Raising a party wall
- Underpinning or thickening a party wall
- Cutting flashings into the wall
- Certain structural alterations
These works will normally require a Party Structure Notice.
Excavating Near Your Neighbour – Section 6
New foundations are one of the most common reasons homeowners require party wall notices.
Excavation may be notifiable where it is within 3 metres of a neighbouring building and deeper than the neighbour’s existing foundations. Certain deeper excavations can also fall within the 6-metre rule.
Does My Croydon Extension Need a Party Wall Notice?
Many extensions require notices because foundations are being excavated close to neighbouring properties or new walls are being constructed along the boundary.
Whether a notice is required depends on the proposed works, foundation depths and neighbouring structures.
Having planning permission or permitted development approval does not remove your responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
What Happens After a Party Wall Notice?
Once a notice is served, your neighbour can:
- Consent to the proposed works.
- Dissent and appoint an Agreed Surveyor to act for both owners.
- Dissent and appoint their own surveyor.
If surveyors are appointed, a Party Wall Award may be prepared before the notifiable works commence.
Why Is a Schedule of Condition Important?
A Schedule of Condition records the condition of the neighbouring property before building works begin.
It usually includes photographs and written descriptions of existing cracks, defects and finishes. This provides valuable evidence if damage is alleged during or after construction.
What Does a Party Wall Award Cover?
A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document which can set out:
- The notifiable works
- Relevant architectural and structural drawings
- How the works should be carried out
- Measures to protect the neighbouring property
- Access arrangements where applicable
- The Schedule of Condition
- Procedures for dealing with damage
- Surveyors’ reasonable fees
The Award allows the building owner to carry out their lawful works while protecting the adjoining owner’s interests.
How Long Does the Party Wall Process Take?
Party Structure Notices generally require two months’ notice, while notices concerning boundaries and excavation generally require one month.
Matters can sometimes progress sooner with cooperation, but homeowners should avoid leaving party wall matters until their contractor is ready to start.
Who Pays the Party Wall Surveyor?
In most straightforward cases, the building owner carrying out the works pays the reasonable costs of the Party Wall Act process.
If the adjoining owner appoints their own surveyor, their reasonable fees are also normally paid by the building owner.
Where appropriate, appointing one Agreed Surveyor can make the process simpler and more cost-effective.
What if My Neighbour Doesn’t Respond?
Ignoring a party wall notice does not necessarily stop the process.
If the adjoining owner fails to respond within the statutory period, the Act provides procedures for progressing matters, including appointing a surveyor on their behalf where appropriate.
Party Wall Surveyor in Croydon
Party Walls Surveyors Ltd assists building owners and adjoining owners throughout Croydon with:
- Reviewing drawings
- Land Registry checks
- Preparing and serving notices
- Schedules of Condition
- Acting as Building Owner’s, Adjoining Owner’s or Agreed Surveyor
- Preparing Party Wall Awards
- Dealing with issues during construction
If you are planning an extension, loft conversion or structural works, or you have received a notice from your neighbour, contact us for advice.
We can review your circumstances, explain the Party Wall Act process and advise on the appropriate next steps.
