A new porch is normally a relatively modest building project.
However, even small structures can involve Party Wall considerations if they are positioned close to a neighbouring building or boundary.
Does every porch need Party Wall Notices?
No.
A porch constructed well within your property and away from neighbouring structures is unlikely to engage the Party Wall Act simply because it is being built.
The main issues are normally the position of the walls and depth of the foundations.
Excavation close to your neighbour
New porch foundations may extend deeper than the original foundations of an older neighbouring property.
If the excavation meets the tests under Section 6, notice may be required.
Our Beginner’s Guide to Section 6 Party Wall Notices explains the rules.
Building close to the boundary
Some terraced and semi-detached houses have front entrances very close to the boundary.
If the porch includes a new wall at the line of junction, Section 1 may need to be considered.
Read our Section 1 Party Wall Notice guide for more information.
Existing shared structures
Where the porch is connected to an existing shared wall or requires structural alterations to one, Section 2 may also be relevant.
Small project does not mean no procedure
Party Wall requirements are determined by the works rather than the overall cost or size of the project.
A modest porch can therefore theoretically require notice while a much larger project elsewhere on a site may not.
Simple Survey can check your drawings
If your proposed porch is close to a neighbour or boundary, send us the plans.
Visit our Party Wall Surveyor service page and we can confirm whether Party Wall procedures are likely to apply.