Modular and prefabricated extensions are increasingly popular because much of the building can be manufactured away from site and installed quickly.
The shorter construction period can be attractive, but it does not remove Party Wall obligations.
Prefabrication does not change the legislation
The Party Wall Act is concerned with the works carried out at the property.
It does not matter whether the walls arrive as individual bricks or complete factory-built panels.
The important issues remain:
- foundations;
- boundary position;
- party structures; and
- excavation.
Foundations still matter
Even a lightweight modular extension needs some method of transferring loads into the ground.
Depending on the design, this could involve:
- concrete pads;
- strip foundations;
- ground screws;
- piles; or
- other engineered systems.
If excavation falls within Section 6, notice may still be required.
Our Section 6 Party Wall guide explains the excavation tests.
Installation may involve cranes
Large prefabricated sections are sometimes lifted into position.
The Party Wall Act does not provide a general right to oversail neighbouring land with a crane.
Simple Survey explains this distinction in Oversailing Licence vs Party Wall Access.
Walls at the boundary
A modular wall placed at the line of junction can still engage Section 1.
The manufacturing method does not alter the boundary principles.
Fast construction makes early planning more important
One of the advantages of modular construction is speed.
That advantage can disappear if Party Wall requirements are discovered only when the modules are ready for delivery.
Simple Survey can help
If you are planning a modular or prefabricated extension close to a neighbouring property, deal with Party Wall requirements during design.
Send us your foundation and site drawings and Simple Survey can advise before manufacture and installation are programmed.