All Posts

Planning a home extension, loft conversion, or structural alteration is an exciting step towards improving your property. However, before work begins, it's important to understand whether your project falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Adding an extension can be an exciting way to create more space and add value to your home. However, many homeowners focus on planning permission, builders, and design plans while overlooking one important requirement: the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Missing a crucial step can lead to delays, disputes with neighbours, and unexpected costs. Here are three of the most common mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them.

If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, or even work close to a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. Many homeowners don’t realise that certain projects legally require notice to neighbours before work can begin. A Party Wall Surveyor helps ensure everything is handled correctly, fairly, and without unnecessary disputes.

Home improvements can transform your property, but they can also put unexpected strain on relationships with the people next door. Noise, access issues, and structural work near shared boundaries can quickly become sensitive topics if not handled properly.

At Shared Walls, we help homeowners across Mid Sussex navigate the Party Wall process clearly and efficiently, helping projects move forward smoothly while protecting relationships with neighbouring owners.

You’re on site, pricing a job, and the client’s excited to get going. Then you spot it… shared wall, boundary line, digging near next door. This is where you earn your keep—not just as a builder, but as someone who keeps the job out of trouble.

Navigating party wall matters can feel like stepping into a legal maze—especially when you’re focused on delivering a project on time and on budget. At Shared Walls, we regularly hear the same questions from architects and builders, which is why we’ve shaped our approach around clear, practical answers.

If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, basement, or structural renovation, you can avoid delays, neighbour disputes, and legal risk by handling your Party Wall requirements correctly from the start.

If you’re planning building work like an extension, loft conversion, or basement, one of the most common questions is: do I need a party wall agreement? The short answer: yes, in many cases — but not always. Understanding when it applies can save you time, money, and serious neighbour disputes.

Planning a home extension, loft conversion, or any building work near a shared boundary? Many homeowners don’t realise that even minor works can trigger legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996

Whether you’re planning building works or responding to a neighbour’s project, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can feel confusing at first. At Shared Walls, we’re here to make the process clear. We’ve answered the most common questions people ask us about Party Wall matters.

As an architect or builder, your focus is on delivering projects smoothly, on time, and to a high standard. But when a project involves work near or on a shared boundary, there’s an extra layer you can’t ignore: the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

It can be worrying when you find out your neighbour is planning major building works — whether that’s an extension, a loft conversion, or even new foundations near your home. If this sounds familiar, you’re legally classed as the Adjoining Owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

if you’re planning to extend your home, convert a loft, dig a basement, or even make internal structural changes, you might not realise it — but legally, you’re classed as the Building Owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

If you’re planning building works near a boundary or have received a Party Wall notice, you’ve probably come across a wave of confusing terms and legal jargon. At Shared Walls, we believe in keeping things simple. That’s why we’ve created this guide to explain the most common Party Wall terms in plain English.

At Shared Walls, we provide specialist Party Wall Surveying services. Our role is to guide homeowners, property developers, and building professionals through the legal and practical requirements of the Party Wall Act.