Common types of works that affected by the Party Wall Act.
If you’re extending, converting a loft, or carrying out structural work in Barking & Dagenham, the Party Wall process can come up sooner than expected—especially when homes are close together and foundations sit near boundary lines. We help you deal with notices and neighbour requirements properly, with a clear, practical approach that keeps your project moving.
We help with: Party Wall Notices • Schedules of Condition • Party Wall Awards • Neighbour communication
Find out more about the Party Wall Act and process here.
Many projects in Barking & Dagenham become “notifiable” because they involve work near a neighbour’s structure or digging close to their foundations.
Typical triggers include:
If you share your plans, we can quickly confirm whether your work is notifiable and what steps you need next.
You’ll get a structured process with defined outputs—not vague advice.
Notice Stage
Protection Stage
Agreement Stage (if needed)
In Barking & Dagenham, projects move fast—rear extensions, loft conversions, boundary works, and excavations near neighbouring homes. The Express Party Wall Difference is our simple, structured approach: we keep your build compliant with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, protect both properties with clear evidence, and keep communication calm so your project stays on track.
Accurate notices issued quickly with correct dates and details
We handle questions calmly to reduce friction
Detailed records with photos before work starts
Sensible protections agreed with minimal disruption
Local support across the borough and surrounding areas
Here’s what the typical process looks like when you work with us:
Send your drawings and we confirm if the Act applies.
We help confirm who must receive notice (freeholders/leaseholders).
Correct sections, dates, and descriptions to avoid invalid notices.
Consent, dissent, or no reply handled properly.
Pre-works inspection to protect both properties.
Access, protections, methods, and responsibilities agreed so work can begin.
Foundation excavations and structural openings are common triggers here.
Steel beams into shared walls and changes to party wall height can be notifiable.
Removing chimney breasts or cutting pockets for beams frequently requires notice.
Rebuilding or altering shared boundary walls often needs careful handling.
A party wall surveyor is most useful when you want to avoid problems before they start.
Want to move forward without delays? We’ll confirm if your works are notifiable and guide you through the correct next steps.
Click below to book your party wall surveyor in Barking & Dagenham today.
We work across the whole borough, including:
Barking • Dagenham • Becontree • Chadwell Heath • Rush Green • Marks Gate • Thames View • Upney • Creekmouth • Gascoigne • Heathway
Not sure if your street is included? It is—send your postcode and we’ll confirm the next step quickly.
The first step is to notify neighbours of the works and their rights under the Party Wall Act. This is a legal obligation and fulfilled by serving notices that allow the neighbour the option of either agreeing for the works to proceed without a full Party Wall Award, or to have an Award drawn up.
In event it is agreed that no Party Wall Award is required, it can still be beneficial to produce a Schedule of Condition.
Having served the notices, where the neighbour, or both parties prefer to have a Party Wall Award drawn up, the Party Wall Act terms this a ‘dispute’.
In practice it doesn’t necessarily mean a disagreement, just that both parties want to protect their property and rights by recording the nature of the works to avoid future disagreement, litigation and costs. This is done by creating a Party Wall Award.
The Party Wall Act allows the neighbour to the works to have their own surveyor appointed and paid for by the building owner.
This is where costs can rise significantly. On simple projects, if we can get agreement of the neighbour, we will act for both parties as Agreed Surveyor, saving substantial costs.
Even where no formal Award is created, it is highly advisable to record the condition of the affected area of the neighbour’s property at the outset, thereby protecting both parties interests.
This can also be requested by the adjoining neighbour.
Do I always need a Party Wall Notice for an extension?
Not always, but if you’re excavating near a neighbour’s foundations or building on/near the boundary, you often will. Share your drawings and we’ll confirm quickly.
What if my neighbour doesn’t reply?
A non-response is treated as a dissent, and surveyor steps are required to progress the matter properly.
Can we use one surveyor for both properties?
Yes, if both parties agree. This can be efficient for straightforward work.
What is a Schedule of Condition?
A dated photographic and written record of the adjoining property before works begin. It helps reduce disputes later.
Who pays the surveyor fees?
In most cases, the building owner carrying out the works covers reasonable costs, especially when the work benefits their property.
Does a Party Wall Award replace planning permission?
No. Planning/building control are separate. The Award deals with neighbour protections and legal procedure under the Party Wall Act.
