Practical homeowner guides
Planning a home project?
Whether you are enlarging a kitchen, converting a loft or building near a boundary, start by understanding the project itself. These guides explain the practical questions and flag when a party wall notice may become relevant.
Practical project guidance · England & Wales · Independent service
Not every project needs a party wall notice. Work on certain shared structures, new boundary walls and some excavations near neighbouring buildings can trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Use the guides below for the relevant work, then check the official rules before deciding what document is needed.
Extensions and planning
rear extensionRear Extension Planning: Boundaries, Foundations and NeighboursPlanning a rear extension? Check the boundary, foundations, drawings and neighbour notices before building in England or Wales.Read guide ↗house extension planningHouse Extension Planning: A Practical Order of DecisionsPlan a house extension in the right order, from measurements and drawings to permissions, neighbouring walls and site work.Read guide ↗terraced house extensionTerraced House Extension: Shared Walls and Practical ConstraintsPlanning a terraced house extension? Understand access, shared walls, neighbour notices and the foundations to check before construction.Read guide ↗semi detached house extensionSemi-Detached House Extension: Design and Neighbour ChecksA guide to semi-detached extensions covering side and rear layouts, shared-wall alterations, boundaries and nearby foundations.Read guide ↗
Lofts and structural work
loft conversion planningLoft Conversion Planning: Structure, Permissions and Shared WallsBefore planning a loft conversion, check roof space, stair access, structural loads, approvals and whether shared-wall work needs notice.Read guide ↗loft conversion steel beamsLoft Conversion Steel Beams: Support and Party Wall ChecksUnderstand what loft steel beams support, why engineering matters and when inserting a beam into a shared wall may require notice.Read guide ↗load bearing wall removalLoad Bearing Wall Removal: Structural and Neighbour ChecksRemoving a load-bearing wall? Learn about beams, building regulations, shared structures and when a party wall notice may matter.Read guide ↗chimney breast removalChimney Breast Removal: Support, Shared Walls and NoticesUnderstand chimney breast removal risks, support requirements, building control and when a party structure notice may be needed.Read guide ↗kitchen diner knock throughKitchen Diner Knock Through: Walls, Beams and Next StepsOpening up a kitchen and dining room? Check structural support, building approval and whether any shared wall will be altered.Read guide ↗rsj installationRSJ Installation: Planning Support and Checking Shared WallsPlanning RSJ installation in a house? Understand engineering, support, building control and possible party wall notice requirements.Read guide ↗
Gardens, foundations and boundaries
garden room planningGarden Room Planning: Boundaries, Permission and FoundationsConsidering a garden room or office? Check planning restrictions, use, proximity to boundaries and excavation near neighbours.Read guide ↗garden room foundationsGarden Room Foundations: Choosing a Base and Checking NeighboursGarden room foundations explained: site conditions, drainage, slab or pile choices and when excavation near a neighbour can trigger notice.Read guide ↗boundary wall rulesBoundary Wall Rules: Ownership, Building and Neighbour NoticesKnow the difference between boundary walls, fences, party fence walls and the notices that can apply before rebuilding.Read guide ↗garden wall foundationsGarden Wall Foundations: Depth, Stability and Shared BoundariesUnderstand the key checks before laying foundations for a garden wall, including ground, boundary ownership and party fence walls.Read guide ↗conservatory building regulationsConservatory Building Regulations and Neighbour ChecksPlanning a conservatory? Check building-regulation conditions, heating, glazing, foundations and potential party wall notices.Read guide ↗
Already know you need a notice?
Our free checker can help you prepare selected straightforward section 1 and section 3 notices. Technical excavation notices under section 6 are not supported by the automated builder.
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