Are You planning an extension that’s going up close to your neighbour’s place? You’re probably deep into design ideas, materials, maybe even picking out that perfect brick.
But here’s something that often gets missed—what happens if your building work affects a wall or boundary you both rely on?
We help homeowners across Wolverhampton handle the legal side of things when an extension gets a bit too close for comfort.
Whether it’s a garden wall, a shared fence, or a party wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 might apply on all—and if it does, there’s a proper process you all need follow.
It’s easy to assume your build is just your business—but if your new extension runs close to your neighbour’s fence, or if it’s connected to a shared wall, it might fall under the Party Wall Act.
In most cases, the law requires you to let your neighbour know before the work begins—not just out of courtesy, but because it’s a legal obligation.
Even small-scale jobs like building directly on the boundary, digging close to another property, or replacing a fence with a permanent wall might trigger these rules.
Starting without following the process could lead to delays, disagreements—or even legal issues.
Faulkner Party Wall Surveyors take a close look to your plans, work out whether they affect any shared parts of the property, and make sure the right notices are issued.
It’s all about helping your project stay on course without souring the relationship with those next door.
You might think your building work is safely within your own land—but if you’re digging close to a neighbour’s wall or property, it’s a different matter.
According to the Party Wall Act, if you plan to dig within three metres of your neighbour’s home—or deeper than their foundations—you must give them formal notice and get everything agreed before starting work.
That’s because digging too close can affect the strength or safety of their property, even if you’re staying on your side.
The law is there to protect both you and your neighbour.
Faulkner Surveyors helped many Wolverhampton homeowners through this process.
We’ll make sure all the right steps are taken from the beginning—so you don’t face unexpected delays or disputes later on.
If your project is close to a shared boundary, don’t leave it to chance. Get a Faulkner Party Wall Surveyor involved early.
If your extension involves work close to or directly on a shared wall, or near your neighbour’s foundations, it likely falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 .
And when neighbours don’t agree, it doesn’t need to turn into a dispute—it’s resolved properly and legally with the help of a Faulkner Wall Surveyor .
Here’s how it works with Faulkner Surveyors:
If your neighbour doesn’t give written consent after receiving your Party Wall Notice, both of you will appoint a surveyor—or agree to use the same one.
That surveyor works independently. They don’t take sides, but instead act fairly and professionally for both parties.
The surveyor will review your plans, inspect the properties if needed, and issue what’s called a Party Wall Award. This legally sets out how and when the work can go ahead, while ensuring your neighbour’s property is protected.
The real benefit? It avoids lengthy arguments, potential legal trouble, and keeps your project on track.
So if your neighbour objects, don’t see it as a dead end. See it as the start of a clear, structured process designed to find a fair solution for both sides—something Faulkner Party Wall Surveyors in Wolverhampton can help you manage every step of the way.
If you’re planning to build close to your neighbour’s property, it’s completely normal to worry about things like cracks, vibrations, or accidental damage.
But did you know you might have a legal duty to take steps before any work begins?
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if your project affects a shared wall or digs near your neighbour’s foundations, you’re legally required to serve notice and follow a formal process.
Why? Because even if you don’t intend to cause any harm, the law is designed to protect both parties —you and your neighbour.
This is where a Faulkner Party Wall Surveyor steps in.
They’ll carry out something called a—a detailed inspection of your neighbour’s property before work starts.
This includes:
Notes on any existing cracks or defects
High-quality photos
Sometimes even a video walkthrough
This record protects you, too. If your neighbour later claims damage, you’ve got evidence showing exactly what their property looked like before you broke ground.
The surveyor will also prepare a—a legal agreement that sets out how the work should be done and what precautions need to be taken.
So, if you’re at all concerned about causing damage (or being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault), getting a Faulkner Party Wall Surveyor involved isn’t just smart—it’s often required by law.
As soon as you appoint us, here’s what we’ll take care of:
We’ll visit your neighbour’s property to carry out a Schedule of Condition—this means we’ll document its current state before any work begins.
We’ll prepare and serve the correct notices to any neighbours who may be affected by your project.
If your neighbour brings in their own surveyor, we’ll liaise with them directly to keep everything moving forward.
Party Wall Award —It is a written agreement that explains what work will be done, how and when it’ll happen, and what’s being done to protect both you and your neighbour.
It helps keep things clear and stops any mix-ups. Is also shows you and your neighbour are doing things properly. It shows you’re not just jumping in—and it gives you peace of mind that everything’s been done the right way from the beginning to End.