Party Wall / Boundary Building works

princeofpounds

Yes that second picture shows that things have progressed further than you let on! Your wall isn't going to fall down because of that small trench, but they have already started party works there quite clearly.

leew

princeofpounds said:

Yes that second picture shows that things have progressed further than you let on! Your wall isn't going to fall down because of that small trench, but they have already started party works there quite clearly.

When he showed us around that hadn't been dug to be fair, only took that photo after he'd left. 

Should we tell him to halt the works? The Mrs isn't that concerned just said let them get on with it! 

princeofpounds

Ultimately it's your choice. I would, but that's because I don't mind being direct about such things. If something goes wrong, party wall arbitration is usually less painful than court.

The issue here isn't likely to be one of them causing huge amounts of damage to your structure. That's quite unlikely given the work they are doing, although minor damage is always a possibility. It's also about the quality of the build and how the structures tie together. For example, you don't want to get a shock when rain starts seeping into your wall.

If they grumble about the delay, you might want to point out to them that they should have raised a notice with you earlier, and that you are otherwise happy to be very co-operative in terms of facilitating their build.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/mar/14/home-extensions-plans-party-wall

Anthony_K

In short, it's unlikely the excavation itself is notifiable under the Act, as the depth of foundations is unlikely to be to a lower level than those supporting the adjoining property. 
As is common with staggered properties it is likely that the wall they propose to utilise is a shared structure (Party Wall) and they are indeed required to provide you with written notice of their intention to commence works. 
It is good practice to engage neighbours prior to commencement of work, and yes it can be misconstrued as trying to pull one over (but you can't do wrong for doing right), but is good practise. 

Naturally your worried as per your post, speak to a local Party Wall Surveyor (disclosure I am a PWS), and accordingly inform your neighbour that you would kindly like a Party Wall Notice so you can consider your options. 

Whatever you decide to do following service of Notice, including consenting, provides you with formal recourse under the Act should for example damage occur. 

On the balance of what is being proposed, I would suggest a single, Agreed Surveyor, would be the best route (if you decide to dissent to Notice). 

Personally, I would interested to know how they intend to tie into the property and more importantly weatherproof the adjoining structure. This I envisage being the likely cause of any future issue such as damp penetration (in the future). 

Don't stress, your legally entitled to receive a party wall notice and appoint a surveyor to safeguard your interests. 

Hope this helps. 

leew

Anthony_K said:

In short, it's unlikely the excavation itself is notifiable under the Act, as the depth of foundations is unlikely to be to a lower level than those supporting the adjoining property. 
As is common with staggered properties it is likely that the wall they propose to utilise is a shared structure (Party Wall) and they are indeed required to provide you with written notice of their intention to commence works. 
It is good practice to engage neighbours prior to commencement of work, and yes it can be misconstrued as trying to pull one over (but you can't do wrong for doing right), but is good practise. 

Naturally your worried as per your post, speak to a local Party Wall Surveyor (disclosure I am a PWS), and accordingly inform your neighbour that you would kindly like a Party Wall Notice so you can consider your options. 

Whatever you decide to do following service of Notice, including consenting, provides you with formal recourse under the Act should for example damage occur. 

On the balance of what is being proposed, I would suggest a single, Agreed Surveyor, would be the best route (if you decide to dissent to Notice). 

Personally, I would interested to know how they intend to tie into the property and more importantly weatherproof the adjoining structure. This I envisage being the likely cause of any future issue such as damp penetration (in the future). 

Don't stress, your legally entitled to receive a party wall notice and appoint a surveyor to safeguard your interests. 

Hope this helps. 

A great post, thank you.
The highlighted bit above is what we really would like and I guess a quick friendly chat like he's had with us will not protect us If damage eventually occurs at a later date.

Do we ask the neighbour/builder to sort a party wall notice or can we say print a form off and ask them to fill/sign it?

I'd feel much more comfortable with things in writing really. 

leew

princeofpounds said:

greatcrested said:

This could be construed as advertising, which is against forum rules.

Yeah - I hope the mods don't get too trigger-happy as Anthony_K's first post was quite helpful.

I get what you mean BUT i agree with princeofpounds, very grateful for that above post.