Step 1 - You must serve notice at least 2 months before building work begins. You can do this yourself by filling out a form, be aware that the form is different depending on the work you are carrying out. Party wall agreement templates can be found here on the gov.uk page. Some architects will also do this for you as part of their package. Step 2 - Your neighbours have 14 days to respond once you have served notice. You can begin the work immediately once you have agreement in writing from your neighbours. They must agree in writing, if they don't then they will have deemed to dissent the notice. Step 3 - If you don't have written agreement or your neighbours have dissented then you must appoint a surveyor to both properties. You neighbour has 10 days to decide whether one surveyor can act for both properties or if they want a separate surveyor. The homeowner carrying out the work must pay all of the surveyors' costs. Step 4 - The surveyor appointed will grant a Party Wall Award which will determine what work can be carried out, how and when it can be carried out. They will take lots of photos of the property and assess the property before and after the work has been carried out. Step 5 - You must have begun building within 12 months of the agreement.