The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers a few different types of works; including alterations to a shared party wall, the construction of new walls on the boundary  and excavation work close to the neighbouring properties - which can be for foundations, cable or pipe laying. The last set of works - excavation - is often overlooked by owners planning to extend their property.

When you are carrying out any of these works it is the Building owner (the one doing the works) who has to serve notices and obtain "consent to the works" from the neighbouring owners of properties (Adjoining Owners), and if that consent is not forthcoming then the matter is deemed to be " in dispute" and then Surveyors must be appointed to resolve this by way of a Party Wall Agreement ( referred to in the ACT as an Award)

We always advise that Building Owners speak to the neighbours ( Adjoining owner) prior to the serving of any Party Wall notices to advise them of the process that is to be followed.