Party wall notice

[biscuitsndtea]

We got part wall notice from our neighbours. Ours is a semidetached house.
The neighbour who gave party wall notice is not attached to us. But they are planning to do garage extension and building a bedroom over it which requires digging up a foundation next to our house ( our garage is extended as double storey long back)

1. Why do they need to give party wall notice if our walls are not attached ? Does that mean they will extend very close to our walls ? Or will their extension be attach to our wall ? 😟

2. We are lil worried as our extension was done long back we don't know if our foundation is strong/deep enough and if there will be any impact to our house because of the work they are doing ?

What should we do next ? Should we engage a surveyor ? And who will pay for it ?

We are FTB and our house ( and all the house in our area) is nearly 100 years old so we are worried about this situation.

Any help would much appreciated.

If they are digging within 3m of your wall they need a pwa agreement, The letter should explain the process, you can use their surveyor or you appoint one at their cost.

the party wall agreement gives you recourse if their building work damages your house in any way. So your options are to accept or involve a surveyor. The biggest role the surveyor is likely to play is in documenting, and you need plenty of photos inside and outside so that if any damage appears you can prove it’s new. As you have concerns about your property it would be wise to appoint a surveyor to get their opinion. Ultimately you can’t stop the work, this is just about protecting your house.

@LIZS thanks! Is it best to appoint our own surveyor or use their surveyor ?

Appoint your own surveyor- the other party has to pay for this.

@xabia thanks !