Party Wall Advice
for Adjoining Owners
A COBURNS PARTY WALL PROJECT
Home / Damage & Repairs / Immediate steps if damage appears
Damage & Repairs

Immediate steps if damage appears

Act quickly, calmly and proportionately. The priorities are safety, evidence, clear communication and preventing further loss.
Clear, practical guidanceThis article is written for adjoining owners. For advice about your own notice, award or neighbour’s works, speak to Coburns Party Wall.
Ask a surveyor →

1. Put safety first

Keep away from unstable areas. If there is immediate danger, injury, fire, flooding, a gas smell or risk of collapse, contact emergency services or the relevant utility.

2. Record what happened

Take wide and close-up photographs and video. Note when the problem was first seen, what work was taking place and who witnessed it.

3. Report it immediately

Notify the building owner and site manager in writing. If a particular operation may be causing further harm, ask for that operation to pause while the position is assessed.

4. Prevent further loss

Take reasonable temporary steps to protect people, property and belongings. Avoid permanent repair or redecoration before inspection unless necessary for safety.

5. Allow prompt inspection

Give reasonable access for the building owner and relevant advisers to inspect the alleged damage.

6. Decide how repairs will be arranged

You may allow the building owner to arrange remedial work or prefer your own contractor. If arranging the work yourself, comparable quotations can help establish a reasonable figure.

Key takeaway

Safety first. Evidence second. Cause and responsibility can be considered once the immediate position is under control.

This page provides general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and common practice. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice on the facts of a particular matter.