You must tell your neighbour if you want to :
Build on or at the boundary of your two properties
Work on an existing party wall or party structure
Excavate below and near to the foundation level of their building or structure
Where work falls under the provisions of the Act you must inform all Adjoining Owners by giving written notice, normally at least two months before the planned start on site. The notice is only valid for a year, so it is also important that it is not be served too early.
We always advise building owners to speak to their neighbours before serving a formal notice. Neighbours that feel they are being consulted and kept informed are far less likely to immediately appoint a surveyor when a notice is served. This can avoid running up a large bill for surveyor’s fees.
Follow the link for more information on the types of Party Wall Notices and when to issue them.