Dos and Don’ts of Party Wall Alterations
If you share a wall with a neighbouring property, whether this be a wall within a terraced or semi-detached house or even a garden wall, then it’s important to note that you can’t just make alterations to this on a whim.
Because you share such a wall with your neighbours, you must first consult them if you wish to make certain changes to it. If you don’t, then you may find yourself facing legal actions. Keep reading to learn about some of the dos and don’ts of party wall matters.
The Dos
Do…
Inform your neighbour if you intend to carry out work on a boundary wall. For minor alterations, such as painting your side of the wall, hanging up shelves or replacing an electrical socket, then you do not need to inform them, as this isn’t impacting their side of the wall nor causing them any disruption.
However, you should inform them if you plan on:
● Building along the boundary
● Conducting major work on the party wall
● Digging close to or under the foundation level of their side of the property
Do…
Serve a notice in plenty of time before any work commences. You should aim to serve the formal written notice, known as a Party Wall Agreement, at least a couple of months before your planned work begins.
If you’ve spoken to your neighbour prior, then actioning the Party Wall Agreement shouldn’t be an issue; however, if they have expressed their contempt or you have not spoken to them verbally, then doing this as early on as possible is best.
The Don’ts
Don’t…
Exclusively tell them verbally. Whilst we recommend discussing your plans with them in person beforehand to check that they have no issues with your proposed plans, you should always write out a formal notice, also.
If you don’t give them a notice of the work, then they can seek a court injunction to stop you, even if they say that they have no issue with the work to you verbally. The only way to avoid this is by having a formal Party Wall Agreement in place.
Don’t…
Start any work before your neighbour has responded to the notice. Your neighbour has 14 days to respond on the acknowledgement form included with your formal notice, providing written approval or rejection of your plans.
If they approve the proposed plans, then your notice will be valid for a year to complete the work. If they reject or fail to respond within the 14-day window, then you will be in dispute, which must be resolved before any work can commence.
Party Wall Advice
If you find yourself in a party wall dispute or simply require advice on party wall matters, then look to us here at Simon Levy Associates.
Whether you require us to act on your behalf as the building owner or as the adjoining owner, our devoted team will be able to correctly advise you on your legal rights as a property owner and what your next steps are. Get in touch with us today.
