Planning construction is exciting—more space, better layout, added value. But when the works touch a party wall, a little foresight can dramatically reduce neighbour impact and your exposure to claims. Here’s one simple, routinely overlooked step that pays for itself many times over.
The simplest protection most people miss
Before you start any works to or on a party wall (chasing, cutting, drilling, removing nibs, etc.), ask your contractor to temporarily seal the Adjoining Owner’s fireplaces and open vents with taped plastic sheeting (or equivalent dust-proofing).
Why it matters:
- Stops dust migration: Old flues are highways for loose soot, friable debris and fine dust. Without sealing, vibration can shake decades of buildup straight into your neighbour’s rooms.
- Prevents nuisance (and invoices): One avoidable dust event can trigger cleaning bills, redecorations and friction that outlasts the build.
- Shows reasonableness: You’re expected to avoid unnecessary inconvenience—this is low-cost, high-impact proof that you did.
Pro tip: Ask your contractor to photograph the sealed vents before commencing party wall operations and to re-seal after each day’s work if the cover is disturbed.
Other quick wins to keep dust and damage down
- Use hand tools for wall-adjacent operations where practicable; they generate less vibration and dust than percussive kit.
- Stage materials and waste away from the party wall to minimise scuffs and accidental knocks.
- Daily sweep-downs where the wall is open—small housekeeping prevents big headaches.
- Clear communication with your neighbour about noisy or dusty milestones earns goodwill.
Remember: the Party Wall Act still applies
Good practice doesn’t replace legal process. If your works are notifiable (e.g., cutting into the wall, raising/rebuilding, or excavations within 3m/6m), you must serve valid Party Wall Notices and, where there’s a dissent, obtain a Party Wall Award before starting. That Award will set the rules of engagement: working hours, methods, temporary protections and access.
Why contractors skip this
Contractors are often focused on programme and output; flue-sealing can get missed unless it’s explicitly specified. Put it on the pre-start checklist, assign responsibility, and make it part of the day-one site setup. It costs a few pounds and a few minutes—far less than one deep clean.
Keep costs down with Simple Survey
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted)
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee (depends on complexity and number of notices/owners)
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side*
We work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained.
We’re RICS-qualified building surveyors. We’ll confirm which notices you need, serve them correctly, and (if required) agree a clear, enforceable Award—so your build stays neighbourly, lawful and on schedule.
Ready to reduce risk and keep goodwill?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk with your plans and address. We’ll give you a fast, fixed-fee route to compliance—and a practical site checklist (including that crucial vent-sealing step) to minimise mess, claims and delays.