If you are planning works that may fall under the Party Wall etc Act 1996 the first thing you need to do is serve Notice on all eligible parties. For works that affect a party wall you are required to give two calendar months’ Notice before those works commence. For foundation or excavation works, one calendar months’ Notice is required.

Serving Notice yourself is perfectly acceptable under the Act but please be aware that if the Notices are incorrect in any way and a dispute arises they may be deemed invalid and the process may have to be resubmitted. If you would like My Party Walls Limited to serve Notice on your behalf, please contact us: info@mypartywall.pro

Our prime advice to a Building Owner is to talk to the neighbours. We appreciate that not everyone gets on with their neighbours, but whether you have a good relationship or not, an initial visit or informal chat, taking around a copy of your plans and discussing your proposals is always the best way to start proceedings. From our experience we find that this simple act of neighbourliness can assist in you and your neighbour agreeing on matters swiftly.

Remember, any works to your property can be disruptive to your neighbours, albeit unintentional. If your neighbours choose to appoint their own independent Surveyor please bear in mind that this is rarely a vindictive act to cost you additional fees but is their right under the Party Wall etc Act 1996.