Consenting to a party wall notice: how to say yes safely

When consent tends to work well

• Minor work, such as a flashing cut into the party wall
• A builder with a good track record and proper insurance
• A good relationship with your neighbour
• A home in good condition with no existing cracks or movement

When to think twice

• Deep excavations close to your house
• Basements or underpinning
• An older property, or one with existing cracks
• Work to a chimney stack or breast on the shared wall

The safer way to consent

1. Ask for a schedule of condition. This is a written and photographic record of the relevant parts of your home, taken before work starts. Ask your neighbour to arrange one, and keep a copy.
2. Take your own photos. Date-stamped photographs of the rooms next to the shared wall, especially any existing cracks.
3. Agree a contact. Get a phone number for the neighbour's builder.
4. Put it in writing. Sign the consent form and keep a copy with your photographs.

If damage happens after you consented

Consent does not remove your neighbour's liability for damage caused by the work. If you cannot agree what happened, a dispute arises and surveyors can be appointed to settle it. Your before photos will be the most useful thing you have.