Do you know if your renovation actually needs a party wall notice?

Most homeowners assume the Party Wall Act exists to stop them building.

In this episode, we unpack the Party Wall Act with a chartered party wall surveyor, covering exactly which works trigger it, from loft conversions and rear extensions to basement digs and chimney breast removals. We explain the notice periods, the difference between consent and a formal award, and why early, open conversations with neighbours nearly always save time and money.

We also get into the practical traps: building too far from the boundary line, serving notice before planning permission is secured, and letting too many surveyors get involved on a single job. The episode sets out how the award process actually works, who pays for it, and what genuinely causes delays.

Get the process right and the act works in your favour. Get it wrong, and a simple extension can turn into a costly, drawn-out dispute.

"Consent trumps everything" in the party wall process. — Jonny Callard

You’ll hear about:

• What the Party Wall Act actually covers
• Notice periods for different types of work
• Why consent overrides the statutory process
• Common works that trigger the act
• The three and six metre excavation rules
• Party structures in flats and leasehold buildings
• Why moving closer to boundaries can help
• Sharing a wall with your neighbour
• How the surveyor and award process works
• The role of the third surveyor
• Who pays for surveyors and consultants
• What really causes party wall delays

  Connect with Jonny Callard:

  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnycallard/

  Thomas & Thomas Surveyors - https://ttsurveyors.com/

  Connect with us:

  Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/

  Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/

  Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/