Most people asking this have just started planning an extension, or just received a slightly alarming letter from next door. Here's the honest answer, in plain English.
You probably DO need to act if you're:
- Building an extension with foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour's property (very common in Worthing's terraced and semi streets)
- Converting a loft where work affects the shared (party) wall, fitting steel beams into it, for example
- Digging a basement or lowering floors near a neighbour's foundations
- Cutting into, raising, thickening or underpinning a shared wall
- Removing a chimney breast on a party wall
- Building a new wall on or up to the boundary line
You probably DON'T need to if you're:
- Doing purely internal work that doesn't touch the shared wall
- Putting up shelves, replastering your own side, or fitting a kitchen
- Building well away from any boundary or neighbouring structure
- Doing minor work most people wouldn't notice, though the safe move is always to check
If you've received a notice
Don't ignore it, and don't panic. You have 14 days to respond. You can consent (if you're happy the work won't affect you) or dissent (which triggers the surveyor process and gets you a protective schedule of condition at the building owner's expense). Doing nothing counts as dissent after 14 days. Either way it costs you nothing, the building owner normally pays. We're happy to review a notice you've received and explain your options.
The simplest next step
A two-minute phone call usually settles whether the Act applies to your project. We'd genuinely rather tell you that you don't need us than sell you a service you don't require.
Call 01903 372418 and we'll tell you straight.
Free initial advice across Worthing & West Sussex
Call 01903 372418