SECTION 2 PARTY WALL ACT

Before creating a Party Structure Notice and serving it to the adjoining building owner, you need to identify the work listed under section 2.

• Raising, thickening or underpinning a party fence wall or party wall
• Exposing the party wall subject into adequate weathering
• Reducing the height of the party fence wall or party wall
• Cutting into the party wall of the adjoining owner to insert the flashing
• Any incidental work necessary to the party structure connection with premises adjoining it
• Demolishing any parts of the party structure that belong to the adjoining owner and overhanging the building owner’s land
• Demolishing a party structure having insufficient height or strength and rebuilding of sufficient height or strength
• Cutting away from the party fence wall, party structure or external wall any of the projections over the building owner’s land
• Repairing, rebuild or demolish on account of the defect or want of party wall repair
• Raising and rebuilding a party fence wall as a party structure
• Cutting into a party wall for any purpose
• Demolishing dividers that do not conform to the statutory requirements and instead building the party wall that does conform
• Demolishing or rebuilding the parts of the building connected by structures or aches over public passages and ways and rebuilding them to confirm

You can notice that most of the work to be carried out into an existing wall or even party fence wall are under Section 2.

There can be an exemption if the work is minor. Minor works include knocking nails to hand pictures, screwing to put up shelves or drilling for the wall plug.

On the other hand, drilling intended for damp proof courses are considered as notifiable work.

You have to be aware that Party Structure Notice should be served at least two months before beginning any form of work. Thus, the adjoining building owner needs to provide a consent to the served notice within 14 days.

If the adjoining fail to give a consent, a party wall surveyor will be appointed.
To resolve any party wall issues, considering a Party wall expert is a good idea.

It will help you to determine the best solution and avoid a dispute, or a dispute arise, you can have a professional party wall surveyor help.