What happened

A side extension excavation took place without a Party Wall agreement in place. The neighbour's boundary wall showed movement within a week.

How it was discovered

Visible cracking on the neighbour's side, photographed by the neighbour's surveyor.

The consequences

Party Wall Award issued retrospectively, structural assessment commissioned, repair to the boundary wall, and legal fees on both sides. The work resumed with monitoring.

What homeowners can learn

Party Wall notices are a legal requirement, not a courtesy. Skipping them creates real cost on a real timeline.