De Minimis Works And The Act

Certain activities such as installing shelves or wall units, recessed electric sockets, or undertaking plaster-related tasks may be considered minor in nature when carried out on a party wall. In such cases, serving a notice under the Act is generally not deemed necessary.

For instance, making holes in a party wall to affix plugs and screws for ordinary wall units or shelving, cutting into a party wall to add or replace recessed electric wiring and sockets, or removing old plaster and reapplying it are typically of a minor nature that would not warrant a notice under the Act.
However, it is crucial to assess whether your proposed work could potentially impact the overall structural integrity and support functions of the party wall or result in damage to the adjacent owner’s side of the wall. If you are uncertain about whether your intended work necessitates a notice, it may be advisable to consult a qualified party wall surveyor for guidance.

In order to ensure that the proposed work does not compromise the stability or cause harm to the party wall or its neighbouring properties, it is always recommended to exercise caution and seek expert advice when in doubt.