Advice Hub: Party Walls

Party wall matters often arise at stressful points in a project, just before works begin or when disagreements with neighbours emerge. This section provides useful information that explains the Party Wall Act 1996 in plain English, with helpful tips and information on how Collier Stevens can support you to reach compliant, practical outcomes. Our party wall matters guidance reflects our real-world experience acting for both building owners and adjoining owners. If you are seeking reliable party wall surveyors in London or Kent who prioritise clarity and professionalism, get in touch today for a free quote and to speak to one of our party wall experts.

Chimney breast removal party wall act

Party wall agreements: Chimney breast removal

Removing a chimney breast is a tricky task that requires professional attention and appropriate paperwork. The chimney breast is part of the building's structure, and the remaining sections of the chimney and stack must be adequately supported, so building regulation approval is necessary. Moreover, a party wall agreement is required if the chimney stack is on a shared or party wall. The Party Wall Act requires serving a written notice to your neighbours at least two months before starting the work.
deep excavation, JCB, party wall notice

Do I need a party wall agreement?

Homeowners planning to renovate or undertake a construction project should be aware of party wall agreements as they are often overlooked. A party wall is a wall that straddles a boundary line or divides two premises and forms part of both. Homeowners need to follow the Party Wall Act if their work requires any structural changes to a party wall. Excavations near neighbours and building on boundaries also require a party wall agreement.
A cozy living room featuring a brick fireplace with a warm fire, leather sofas, a lamp, and wooden decor, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Would you ever have thought removing a chimney breast needed permission?

Removing a chimney breast is not a simple task as it may be shared with the neighbouring property if it is on a party wall. You are required to notify adjoining owners before starting any building work involving a party wall or structure. A written notice must be served, if an agreement is not reached, surveyors must be appointed to resolve the dispute.
attic conversion, dormer, rooflight, neighbour agreement

Do you need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion?

If you're planning a loft conversion in a terraced or semi-detached house, it's likely that the Party Wall Act will apply. If your neighbour dissents, you'll need to draw up a party wall agreement with surveyors. It's important to consult your neighbour before starting any works and to serve the correct notices, as it's your responsibility to do so.
tear my hair our - party wall problem

How quickly can I get a Party Wall Award?

Obtaining a fast party wall award depends on several factors. While it is possible to get an award within a week, it usually takes longer. The award process can take weeks if there are deficiencies in the drawings, or if the neighbour appoints their own surveyor. The cost of a fast party wall award could be significant, but it could still be less expensive than delaying the work for six weeks.
Eccentric Foundations

Extensions: maximising space with eccentric foundations

Eccentric foundations can be a useful solution when building an extension up to a boundary line without disturbing a neighbour's land. With eccentric foundations, the wall sits on the outer edge of the foundation, allowing for digging the trench right next to the boundary without crossing it. Obtaining party wall agreements and necessary planning permissions beforehand is still essential. Traditional foundations can still be used with neighbour consent and without restrictions.
Image inside basement undergoing renovation

Can I add a basement to my property?

Adding a basement to your property can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a bigger house or expanding upward, and is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. It's important to use a reputable firm and to employ chartered architects and structural engineers who are experienced. Additionally, obtaining party wall agreement, decent insurance, planning permission, and building regulation approval are necessary steps for a successful basement project.
No reply to a party wall notice - advice from a party wall surveyor

What if I don’t receive a reply to my party wall notice?

It's not uncommon to serve a party wall notice and receive no response from your neighbour. According to the Party Wall Act, after 14 days of silence, your neighbour is deemed to have dissented from the notice. If they still don't respond, you can appoint a surveyor to act for them. However, it's crucial to ensure your neighbour received the party wall notice in the first place, and you should not assume that you can proceed with your works without their agreement.
fair faced brick wall

Do I need a Party Wall Surveyor to get a party wall agreement?

Party wall surveyors offer professional advice to property owners affected by party wall issues. They help with notices, agreeing awards, and resolving disputes. The surveyor can also prepare and serve the notices if required. If the neighbour agrees to the work, a party wall award is drawn up by the surveyor, setting out the work to be done, how it is to be undertaken and what undertakings the person doing the work will make.
signing a party wall notice

How do you serve a party wall notice correctly?

It's crucial to ensure that party wall notices are properly drafted and valid, as any error can make them invalid and set back your work. The Party Wall Act sets out what information a served notice must contain. There is no standard format, but many party wall surveyors use a standard template. The notice should give sufficient detail and a description of the work.
use a Party wall surveyor not Bob the Builder

Who can act as a Party Wall Surveyor?

Appointing an inexperienced or untrained person as a party wall surveyor can lead to disastrous consequences. Building owners can't act as their own surveyors, and appointing someone without the proper knowledge can result in errors and disputes. It's important to hire experienced professionals to handle party wall matters and ensure that the process goes smoothly.
party wall act notice time periods

When does a Party Wall Notice need to be served

The Party Wall Act contains specific time provisions regarding the service of Party Wall Notices and the commencement of work. It's recommended to seek professional advice in this situation. If a neighbour dissents and appoints a surveyor, the party wall process can take at least 4 to 6 weeks to conclude.