Building owner

Planning works on your property?

If you're extending, converting a loft, or excavating near a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 almost certainly applies. We make sure you're compliant, your neighbours are protected, and your project stays on track.

Does the Act apply?

Common works that trigger the Party Wall Act

The Act applies to three broad categories of work. If any of the following apply to your project, you'll need to serve notice on your neighbours before works begin.

Extensions & loft conversions

Rear and side extensions, loft conversions involving work to a party wall, dormer windows.

Excavations

Any excavation within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure, or within 6 metres under the 45-degree rule.

Wall alterations

Inserting beams, removing chimney breasts, underpinning, raising or cutting into a party wall.

New boundary walls

Building a new wall astride the boundary line, or on the boundary of two properties.

Not sure if your works are notifiable? Contact us for free initial advice.

Why serve notice?

Serving valid notices protects you legally, prevents disputes from escalating, and means works can proceed within a clear agreed framework. Failure to serve notice can result in injunctions, delays, and significant additional costs.

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Notice periods

Party structure notice2 months

Line of junction notice1 month

Section 6 excavation notice1 month

Our process

What we do for you

We manage the entire party wall process on your behalf, from reviewing your drawings through to serving the award.

Review your drawings

We assess your plans, confirm which notices are required, and identify all neighbouring properties that need to be notified. We'll give you clear advice upfront so there are no surprises.

Prepare and serve notices

We draft and serve the correct statutory notices on each adjoining owner within the required timeframes. Notices are prepared accurately — a defective notice can invalidate the entire process.

Schedule of condition

Before works begin, we carry out a detailed photographic schedule of condition of the neighbouring properties. This protects you from spurious damage claims once works are complete.

Party wall award

Where an adjoining owner dissents or doesn't respond, we prepare a party wall award — a legally binding document that sets out the rights and conditions under which works may proceed. We act as Building Owner's Surveyor or as Agreed Surveyor where both parties consent.

Works proceed

Once the award is in place, your contractor can get on with the job. We remain available throughout the project to deal with any issues that arise under the Act.