What Type Of Work Involves Serving A Party Wall Notice?

When your neighbour intends to carry out construction work that may affect your property, they are required to serve a Party Wall Notice. This notice is a legal document that informs you, as the adjoining owner, about the proposed works and your rights and responsibilities regarding the party wall.

The types of work that may require a Party Wall Notice include:

1. Building on or near the boundary: If your neighbour plans to construct a new building or extend an existing one close to the boundary between your properties, they must serve a notice.

2. Alterations or repairs to a party wall: If your neighbour wants to make changes or repairs to a wall that is shared between your properties, they need to serve a notice. This can include structural modifications, installing beams or supports, or even removing or adding openings in the wall.

3. Excavating near the foundation: If your neighbour needs to excavate the ground close to the foundation of their property, such as for building an extension or a basement, they must serve a notice. This is important to ensure the stability and integrity of both properties.

4. Erecting a new wall: If your neighbour plans to build a new wall on their property, which would be adjacent to or separate from the boundary, they are required to serve a notice.

5. Cutting into a party wall: If your neighbour intends to cut into a party wall to create an opening, for example, to install a window or a doorway, they need to serve a notice.

6. Modifying the height, depth, or length of a party wall: If your neighbour plans to make changes to the dimensions of a party wall, such as increasing its height, depth, or length, they must serve a notice.

7. Removing a chimney from a party wall: If your neighbour wants to remove a chimney that is attached to a party wall, they need to serve a notice as it may impact the structural integrity of the wall.

8. Demolishing and reconstructing a party wall: If your neighbour intends to demolish and rebuild a party wall, they are required to serve a notice to inform you of their plans.

9. Constructing an extension or basement: If your neighbour plans to construct an extension or a basement that may affect the party wall, they need to serve a notice.

Receiving a Party Wall Notice gives you, as the adjoining owner, the opportunity to respond to the proposed works. You have a right to appoint a party wall surveyor who will act on your behalf to ensure that your interests are protected throughout the process. It is important to carefully review the notice and consult with a professional, such as a party wall surveyor or a qualified construction expert, to understand the implications of the proposed works on your property and to respond appropriately within the specified time frame.