Good neighbourly relations are priceless—especially when you’re building. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to enable projects while protecting both sides, but misunderstandings can sour the mood fast. Here are practical, field-tested tips to keep everyone onside, keep your programme moving, and keep costs sensible.
1) Start the conversation early (weeks, not days)
A short, friendly chat before any formal paperwork makes a huge difference. Explain what you’re doing, why, and when. Flag that a Party Wall Notice is coming so it’s not a surprise. Early context reduces knee-jerk dissents and friction.
2) Share simple, intelligible information
Provide a plain-English summary of the proposed works and an outline programme. Don’t drown neighbours in jargon—clarity breeds confidence. If your proposal changes, say so promptly.
3) Serve the correct Notice, at the correct time
- Section 1: new walls at/on the boundary (1 month)
- Section 2: work to party structures (2 months)
- Section 6: adjacent excavation within 3 m (or 6 m for deeper works) and to a lower level (1 month)
Wrong form, wrong section or wrong dates = instant mistrust and avoidable delay.
4) Respect that consent is voluntary
Do not pressure a neighbour to consent. They are entitled to dissent and have a surveyor involved. Pressure creates resistance; patience creates cooperation.
5) Consider the Agreed Surveyor route
If your neighbour is open to it, one impartial surveyor acting for both sides is usually the cheapest and quickest path to an Award. If they prefer their own surveyor, that’s fine too—approach it constructively.
6) Be realistic about working hours & disruption
Local permitted hours typically: 08:00–18:00 Mon–Fri, 08:00–13:00 Sat, no noisy works Sundays/bank holidays. Communicate days where disruption is likely (demolition, deliveries, concrete pours) so neighbours can plan.
7) Keep everything on your land unless you have written permission
Design details so gutters, copings, drips, insulation and foundations do not cross the boundary without consent. Over-sailing triggers instant disputes. If you need temporary access under the Act, give proper written notice and be considerate.
8) Set fair expectations on damage & making-good
The Act provides a clear framework for liability and compensation if something goes wrong. Say this up front. People relax when they know there’s a dependable mechanism for putting things right.
9) Respond quickly and politely to concerns
Treat every message as important. Even if you don’t have the answer yet, acknowledge receipt and give a timeframe for a proper response. Silence breeds suspicion.
10) Choose professionals who keep tempers low and momentum high
Your surveyor’s tone and organisation matter. You want someone who explains, de-escalates and keeps the process moving rather than point-scoring.
Common flashpoints—and how to avoid them
- Last-minute notices: Serve early. Rushing invites objections and can derail your start date.
- Boundary confusion: Don’t rely on assumptions. If in doubt, design a small step-in to avoid over-sail.
- “Scope creep” mid-project: If works change in a way that’s notifiable, re-notify. Surprises trigger disputes.
- Access misunderstandings: Agree access windows and housekeeping rules (protection, cleanliness, reinstatement) in writing.
Transparent, fixed pricing
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted).
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee, depending on complexity and number of notices/owners.
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the building owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side. (The neighbour’s surveyor often bills hourly; we work to keep those costs reasonable and contained.)
- Complex works (deep excavations, multi-owner blocks): we’ll still offer the fixed pricing above.
- No surprises, no creeping extras. You’ll know the number before we start.
FAQs
Do I have to serve notices if I’m building entirely on my land?
Possibly. If you’re excavating within 3 m (or 6 m for deeper works) of a neighbour’s structure to a lower depth, or doing anything affecting a party structure, you’ll still need notices.
Can my neighbour force me to use their surveyor?
No. Each side chooses their own surveyor, or both can agree on a single Agreed Surveyor.
What if my neighbour ignores the notice?
After 14 days with no reply, you can serve a 10-day reminder. If still no response, the Act treats it as a deemed dispute and allows you to appoint a surveyor on their behalf so the process can continue.
Is an Award always necessary?
No. If your neighbour consents in writing, you may proceed (subject to any statutory notice periods and other consents). But many neighbours prefer a formal Award for clarity and risk management.
Can I start before the notice period ends if they’re happy?
Only if the neighbour expressly agrees to waive the remaining period in writing and the correct paperwork is in place.
What happens if something goes wrong during the works?
The Act sets out responsibilities and remedies so issues can be resolved without a court fight. Clear paperwork up front prevents most arguments later.
The takeaway
Most neighbour disputes are avoidable: communicate early, serve correct notices, design to stay on your land, and use calm, impartial professionals. Do that and you’ll protect relationships, save money, and keep your programme on track.
Get calm, low-cost Party Wall help today
We’ll plan your notice strategy, keep the tone friendly, and deliver compliant paperwork at the lowest like-for-like cost in England & Wales.
Email: team@simplesurvey.co.uk
Simple Survey — fast, compliant, lowest-cost Party Wall support that keeps neighbours onside.