Types of work covered by the Party Wall Act

The Party Wall Act covers various works under the Act. These works are in three distinctive categories. Each referring to different sub-categories of the Act. 

The categories are listed below:

1. Section 1
2. Section 2
3. Section 3

Section 1 of the Act covers new walls, whether it is your new wall or a shared wall. For example if you are proposing on building a rear or side extension and you are going up to the boundary line or astride (the wall will be built half on your land and half way on your neighbours land) the boundary line.

Section 2 of the Act covers work to the party wall or party structure.

The below is a list of works covered under Section 2

1. Underpinning a party wall. This is usually carried out when you are carrying out a basement extension or if your foundations require support to take a new load, such as a beam.
2. Raising a party wall. For example, if you are planning on carrying out a loft conversion and you would like to raise the party wall so that you may enclose your loft onto the wall.
3. Repairing, demolishing and or rebuilding a party wall or structure.
4. Cutting away from a party wall. For example, cutting away projecting footings or an overhanging gutter which over sails within your land. Or cutting away your chimney breast wall from the party wall.
5. Cutting into the party wall in order to insert a steel beam(s).
6. Exposing a party wall. This is usually carried out when you are going to be carrying out a loft conversion as you will be removing roof tiles and exposing the party wall.

Section 3 of the Act covers excavation works. For example, if you are planning on carrying out a rear or side extension or both, and you are within 3 metres of your neighbour’s property or structure and will be excavating deeper than your neighbours existing foundations.

Section 3 of the Act also covers works which are within 6 metres of your neighbour. For example, if you are going to be carrying out basement works or shall be piling then you are more likely to be digging deeper than a proposed simple rear extension, therefore this would fall within 6 metres.