Party Wall Services for Extensions
Are you planning an extension? Whether it’s adding a conservatory, creating a new bedroom, or expanding a commercial premises, an extension can be a great way to increase available space and add value to your property — in fact, a double-storey extension could add as much as 12%.
However, it’s important to know whether you’ll need a party wall agreement to make sure your extension doesn’t cause any issues for neighbouring properties.
The team at Robert Turner Associates is on hand to help with all party wall matters — from working out whether your extension project requires an agreement to serving notice and resolving disputes.
Read on for more information on building an extension on a party wall, and please feel free to contact us to see how we can help.
Will your extension require a party wall agreement?
Extensions come in all shapes and sizes, so the best way to know if you’ll need a party wall agreement is to speak with an experienced building surveyor. They’ll be able to assess your property, look at your plans, and work out if the extension will affect a party wall — this simply means a shared wall.
If the project will affect a party wall or an adjoining owner’s structure, you may have an obligation under the Party Wall Act etc. 1996 to let adjoining neighbours know of your plans. They’ll then have the opportunity to object if they have concerns over the impact the extension will have on the party wall or structure. You’ll then need to draw up a formal party wall agreement.
We recognise that knowing whether or not a party wall is at play can be complex. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at when you’ll likely require a party wall agreement and when you may not.
When you will need a party wall agreement for your extension
- You’ll be making direct changes to a party wall — for example, if you need to strengthen a shared wall to support your new room or area.
- Your extension will involve excavating within 3-6 metres of a neighbouring property.
- You’ll be building directly on, or up to, a boundary wall (such as the edge of a garden).
- Your extension will involve raising a party fence wall being a boundary wall that is partially astride the boundary.
- You’ll need to demolish and/or rebuild a party wall.
When you may not need a party wall agreement for your extension
It’s worth noting that there are some circumstances in which your extension won’t need to involve a party wall agreement. Here are a few scenarios:
- Your property is completely detached, so your extension won’t affect any party walls or come within 3-6 metres of a neighbouring property. An example might be carrying out a barn extension.
- The extension is making the most of an existing space, so you’ll only need to carry out internal work, such as painting and decorating, to repurpose the area.
- You’re planning a small extension, such as a single-storey room, that won’t require deep foundations or excavation near the boundary of your neighbour’s land.
Our party wall services for extensions
Over the past 25 years, we’ve offered party wall support to help property owners manage a variety of commercial and domestic extensions. Led by our chartered surveyor, Robert Turner, our team can help you navigate the complexities of the Party Wall Act. We’re here to:- Work out if your extension will require a party wall agreement.
- Help you serve party wall notice to your neighbours.
- Draw up party wall agreements.
- Resolve any disputes that may arise in a fair and sensitive manner.
- Support neighbours who are worried an extension may damage a shared wall or have a negative impact on their property.
- Offer both homeowners and business owners impartial advice on all aspects of the Party Wall Act.
