Minor changes
Small changes within the scope of the award, such as a slightly different beam size in the same position, may be agreed by the surveyors with a short letter or record.
Material changes
Changes that alter how the work affects the neighbour usually need an addendum award. Examples:
- Moving beams to a different part of the party wall
- Deeper or different foundations
- Adding a chimney breast removal that was not in the original scheme
- Building onto the boundary where you had planned to set in
Work not covered by the original notice
If the change is a new type of work, such as an excavation where the original notice was only for the party wall, a fresh notice may be required before the surveyors can deal with it.
Why this matters
Work outside the award is not protected by it. If something goes wrong, you could face a dispute without the benefit of the agreed procedure.
Tips
- Tell your surveyor as soon as a change is likely
- Ask your engineer to flag anything touching the party wall
- Allow time and budget for an addendum
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.