What NOT to Say to Your Neighbour When Handing Them a Party Wall Notice

Let’s say you’ve got a rear extension planned in Newham. You’ve got your drawings, your builder is booked, and you’re feeling pretty confident...

Until you knock on your neighbour’s door to serve the Party Wall Notice and blurt out one of these absolute howlers.

Here are the top things not to say if you want the next few months to be peaceful.

🚫 “Don’t worry, it’s just a small job.”

Translation: “I’m going to dig a trench right next to your foundations.”

🚫 “The builder said we don’t even need to tell you, but I thought I’d be polite.”

Translation: “We’ve already started and now we’re panicking.”

🚫 “You’re not planning to object, are you?”

Translation: “Please don’t ruin my builder’s timeline.”

🚫 “We’ll only be noisy for a few weeks. Maybe a couple of months.”

Translation: “Prepare for scaffolding in your garden until further notice.”

🚫 “I’ve printed this off Google. Let me know if it’s wrong.”

Translation: “This may or may not be a legally valid document. Best of luck.”

✅ What You Should Say:

“Hi [Neighbour], I’m planning some works that fall under the Party Wall etc. Act. I’ve appointed Grandline to serve notice properly and they’ll handle everything and keep you informed.”

Simple. Professional. Non-confrontational. You stay legally covered and the relationship stays intact.

📍 Based on a Real Newham Story

We won’t name names, but one homeowner in Newham tried the DIY route, served a dodgy notice, and ended up in a 6-month dispute that delayed the build and cost them double. 😬

📞 Want to Avoid the Awkward Bit?

Let us serve the notice for you correctly, legally, and with zero cringe.

Call 020 7205 4854