The Most Common Party Wall Mistakes Homeowners Make — And How to Avoid Them

When planning building works, most homeowners want to do everything correctly… yet some of the most common Party Wall issues come from simple misunderstandings.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is designed to protect you, but only when it’s followed properly.

Here are the mistakes we see most often — and how to avoid them confidently:

1. Starting Work Before Serving Notice

It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the biggest pitfalls. Many homeowners don’t realise that even “small” jobs — like inserting steel beams or removing chimney breasts — legally require notice.

The GOV.UK Party Wall guidance is clear on this point: if works fall within certain categories, notice must be served before anything begins.

2. Using the Wrong Notice or Missing Key Information

Templates online often leave out vital legal details. If anything is missing, the notice may be invalid and can delay your project.

Checking the requirements directly on legislation.gov.uk or using a Chartered Surveyor avoids this entirely.

3. Assuming Verbal Consent Is Enough

A friendly chat with your neighbour is great — but not legally binding. Consent must be written, aligned with the Act, and served properly.

4. Skipping the Schedule of Condition

Some homeowners think:“Why bother? My neighbour is fine with the works.”

But the official guidance highlights why this step matters. A schedule protects both parties if cracks or movement occur, even months later.

5. Leaving It Too Late

Notices must be served within strict timeframes. Many homeowners wait until the contractor is booked and then panic.

Planning ahead keeps your project moving smoothly.

Avoiding these common issues saves time, money and unnecessary stress. At RSW Surveyors, we guide homeowners through the process using the same standards set out by RICS — ensuring everything is compliant, precise and professionally handled from day one.