Share party wall with neighbor for extension?

Dublin_Mom

Hello,
I live in a semi-d, and my neighbor starts building an extension next month. She is extending out her kitchen, which borders our boundary wall. She asked if we would be interested in building a common party wall (as we hope to extend next year)

At first we said Yes, subject to a written agreement. She gave us a very vague letter signed by herself, basically stating that if we wanted to extend she would allow us 'on good faith' We plan to extebnd out a couple of feet beyond what she is doing. I feel a bit uncomfortable now, based on the fact that she might decide next year that it doesn't suit her the timescale we decide to build.

Now I am thinking its safer to go with seperate boundary walls for both our extensions. We will both loose a bit of space, plus have a bit of a rat run between both structures, but at least we will both have full control over 'our own wall' It would also save some money if we went for the common wall, but is it worth it in the long run?

Thanks for any input

seanybiker

What's stopping you extending out. Just go over exactly what you want to do and exactly what she wants to do then agree on what way you will do it before anything is built. Seperate common walls would be a bit much in my opinion.

Mellor

Is it possible, yeah, It it was me and two extensions were being built then I'd go for it.

However, if they were being built at different time than I wouldn't do it as it can be risky.

Basically, your initial post appears to have a good grip on the situation, so ultimately its up to what ever makes you comfortable

mrshappy

This issue came up with us a few years back - they suggested we both extend, we decided we didn't want to and neighbours asked could they share the wall - we said no as we didn't know if we really didn't know what we wanted to do. We fell out for about a month but in hindsight I was glad as their extension would have been on top of us had we not the boundary wall still there. Now we are selling so maybe had we let them, it would have been a problem for potential buyers??

martinn123

I have seen some disasters, in this area, over the years, worst was a house I did some work on last year, neighbour had built an ext. and strayed a foot at least over the boundary. then followed the crooked line and built a shed at the top of the garden. Both houses are a mess, and probably un-saleable, as any surveyor would bring this to the attention of a lending bank.However with careful planning and a written agreement and probably the assistance of a surveyor I see no reason not to take advantage of this. It will save the OP money when they go to do their Ext. in a few years.Be careful, but it can work our OK

Wavemechanic

Nothing much to add here.

However, f you do decide to agree to the party wall, I suggest that you agree on the basis that a fully insured professional engineer or architect signs off on it (both at the design and construction stage). This wall will become a primary load bearing element for whatever you decide to build later and you will need to be aware of any limitations which may arise for your work, quite apart from ensuring that the element is designed and constructed properly.