When planning building works near a boundary, Party Wall Notices are crucial but often overlooked. Serving them correctly and on time is vital to avoid delays, confusion, and unexpected costs. Many Building Owners leave it to the last minute, only to find themselves scrambling when neighbours dissent or questions arise.
Key Points:
- Party Wall Notices are essential but often delayed.
- Waiting too long can cause project delays and increased costs.
- Neighbours’ dissent might require professional involvement.
- One month’s notice for excavation or new walls; two months for party wall works.
- Early work possible with written consent from neighbours.
- 14 days for neighbours to respond; additional time if reminder notice is sent.
When Should I Serve Party Wall Notices?
It’s common for Building Owners to overlook Party Wall Notices until it’s almost time to start work. However, waiting until the last minute can delay your project significantly. If your neighbour disagrees and appoints a surveyor, they may have questions that require professional input, and that can take time. To avoid delays, send Party Wall Notices as soon as your plans are finalised.
What Timescales Does the Party Wall Act Set Out?
- Excavation or New Walls: You must give your neighbour at least one month’s notice before starting.
- Party Wall Works (e.g., cutting into a wall for beams): Two months’ notice is required.
For more information on the different types of Party Wall Notices under the Party Wall Act, check out our helpful explainer videos online.
Can I Start Work Before the Notice Period Ends?
If your neighbour agrees to your plans, they can allow you to begin work before the notice period ends—but only with their written consent. To make sure you have this flexibility, it’s best to send the notices one or two months ahead of your planned start date.
Do I Need Drawings with My Party Wall Notices?
Although the Party Wall Act doesn’t specifically require drawings for all types of notices, providing clear and detailed plans can help smooth the process. Neighbours are more likely to agree if they can see exactly what’s being proposed. Also, having drawings can help your surveyor determine all notifiable works, reducing the risk of missing key elements and causing delays.
How Long Does My Neighbour Have to Respond?
Your neighbour has 14 days to respond to your Party Wall Notice. If they don’t, a reminder notice gives them an additional 10 days. If there’s still no response, you’ll need to appoint a surveyor to act on their behalf.
What Happens if My Neighbour Dissents?
If your neighbour disagrees and appoints their own surveyor, the surveyors will typically need to conduct a Schedule of Condition to record the state of their property. This can take 1–2 weeks, depending on availability. Afterward, drafting the Party Wall Award can take 1–3 weeks, but more complex cases may take longer.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays
If you’re planning any notifiable works within the next year, we recommend starting your Party Wall Notice process early. This gives your neighbours ample time to respond, and helps prevent unnecessary delays. Reach out to Simple Survey for efficient and expert handling of your Party Wall matters.