Question
The government's explanatory booklet gives examples of minor works that are usually too minor to require a party wall notice, including:
- drilling into a party wall for plugs and screws for ordinary wall units or shelving;
- cutting into a party wall to add or replace recessed electric wiring and sockets;
- replastering.
Do the following works fall into the same category?
- drilling into a party wall to inject a supplementary damp-proof course;
- replacing existing flashings to a party parapet wall;
- fixing a timber frame to a party wall to support a suspended ceiling.
Answer
1. Drilling into a party wall to inject a supplementary damp-proof course
A notice is usually required.
Drilling for damp-proofing can affect the wall beyond the building owner's side, particularly if holes are drilled deeply or through the full thickness of the wall. The work can also affect the performance and condition of the party wall.
In our view, this should not be treated as equivalent to ordinary plugs and screws for shelving.
2. Replacing existing flashings to a party parapet wall
A notice may not be required if the work uses an existing chase and does not involve cutting further into the party wall.
However, if a new chase is cut, or the wall is cut into more deeply, notice is usually required because the work affects the party structure.
3. Fixing a timber frame to a party wall to support a suspended ceiling
This will often be too minor to require notice, provided the fixings are shallow, ordinary and do not affect the strength or support function of the wall.
If the frame imposes significant load, uses unusually deep fixings or affects the structure, the position may change.
Practical test
The question is whether the work affects the structural strength, support function or integrity of the party wall, or whether it risks damage to the adjoining owner's side.
If the answer is yes, a notice should be served. If in doubt, take advice before starting work.
Summary
Ordinary minor fixings and replastering are usually outside the Act. Damp-proof course injection and new chases for flashings are different because they can affect the party wall itself. A timber frame for a suspended ceiling may be non-notifiable if it is genuinely light and shallow, but the details matter.
Email: info@coburnspartywall.co.uk
Phone: 0207 11 88 3 55
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. It is not tailored to any specific property, project or dispute.
Discover which minor works to a party wall may require notice, including damp-proof course injection, flashings and fixings for suspended ceilings.
Minor works and party wall notices: what is exempt? | Coburns Party Wall