Party Wall Notices

If you’re planning works to a shared wall, boundary, or near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 requires you to serve a Party Wall Notice or party wall notices. This is the formal first step to ensure your project is legally compliant and your neighbour is properly informed.

At Echelon Party Wall Surveyors, we prepare and serve clear, valid, and legally compliant notices on your behalf. Our service protects you from costly mistakes and gives your neighbour confidence that the process is being handled professionally.

📞 Call 01543 52 37 37 today for immediate assistance with your Party Wall Notice.

What Is a Party Wall Notice?

A Party Wall Notice is a formal written notification served to adjoining owners, informing them of your intention to carry out works covered by the Act. It ensures that:

Your neighbour is aware of the proposed works.
The legal process begins correctly.
Both parties’ rights are protected under the Act.

When Do You Need to Serve a Notice?

You are legally required to serve a Notice if you intend to:

Build on the line of junction (boundary wall or garden wall).
Cut into or alter a shared wall (e.g., inserting beams for a loft conversion).
Excavate within 3–6 metres of your neighbour’s foundations.

Typical projects that require Notices:

Extensions
Loft conversions
Basement works
Chimney removals
Garden walls and boundary alterations

Types of Party Wall Notices

There are three main types of notices under the Act:

Section 1 Notice – for new walls on the boundary line.
Section 3 Notice – for works to an existing party wall or party fence wall.
Section 6 Notice – for excavations near neighbouring buildings or structures.

Using the wrong type can make your Notice invalid — leading to disputes and delays.

What Happens After Serving a Notice?

Once served, the adjoining owner has 14 days to respond. They may:

Consent → allowing the works to proceed.
Dissent → requiring a Party Wall Award.
Fail to respond → automatically treated as dissent, triggering surveyor appointment.

Our Party Wall Notice Service

We handle the entire process:

Review your project plans and confirm which Notices are required.
Draft valid Notices tailored to your works.
Serve Notices directly to adjoining owners.
Track responses and manage deadlines.
Advise on next steps if a Party Wall Award is required.

This ensures your project remains compliant, and you avoid invalid notices or unnecessary legal risks.

Benefits of Using a Professional

Accuracy: Notices served correctly the first time.
Compliance: Protects against injunctions and project delays.
Impartiality: Builds trust with neighbours.
Expert advice: We guide you through the entire Act process.

How Much Does It Cost to Serve a Party Wall Notice?

Drafting & serving a Notice: typically £90–£150 per Notice.
If a dispute arises and surveyors are needed, costs are higher and usually paid by the building owner.

Why Choose Echelon Party Wall Surveyors?

Specialists in Party Wall services
FPWS-qualified surveyors
Local knowledge across Staffordshire, West Midlands, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Leicestershire
Transparent pricing with no hidden extras
Fast turnaround to keep your project on track

📞 Call 01543 52 37 37 or request a callback at echelonpartywall.co.uk.

Related Services

Party Wall Awards
Schedule of Condition Reports
FAQ: Do I need a Party Wall Notice?

FAQs About Party Wall Notices

Q: Can I write my own Party Wall Notice?
Yes, but it’s risky. Incorrect wording, missing details, or wrong notice type can make it invalid. Professional notices avoid disputes and delays.

Q: What happens if I don’t serve a Party Wall Notice?
Your neighbour may seek a court injunction to stop your works, and you could be liable for legal costs and damages.

Q: How long before works should I serve a Notice?
Notices must be served at least 2 months before works to a party wall and 1 month before excavations.

Q: Can my neighbour refuse consent?
They can dissent, which triggers the appointment of surveyor(s) and the preparation of a Party Wall Award.

Conclusion

A Party Wall Notice is the foundation of a lawful, neighbour-friendly building project. By using expert surveyors, you ensure compliance, avoid delays, and protect both properties. Let Echelon Party Wall Surveyors handle your notices with precision and professionalism.