Do I Need to Amend My Party Wall Award if My Section 6 Works Change?
posted 19th November 2025
When carrying out building works close to a neighbouring property, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out clear procedures that must be followed. But what happens if your design changes after the Award has been agreed? A common question we see is:
“Do I need to change my Party Wall Award if the depth or extent of my Section 6 excavation changes?”
In almost all cases, the answer is yes.
Why the Original Award Won’t Cover Amended Works
A Party Wall Award is only valid for the works exactly as described in the original notices, drawings and engineering details. If your rear extension becomes deeper, longer, or involves additional excavation, then:
- You are altering the length and position of the foundations within 3 metres of the adjoining owner’s property.
- You are increasing the amount of excavation, which may change the level of risk, movement, or potential impact.
- Even if the construction method appears broadly similar, the works are materially different from what was originally notified and agreed.
Because of this, surveyors cannot simply “assume” the original Award covers new or altered work. They must be explicitly empowered to deal with the revised design.
What You Should Do Instead
The correct approach is to treat the change as a new notifiable matter under Section 6. Best practice is as follows:
1. Serve Fresh Section 6 Notices
Submit revised notices for the updated excavation / foundation depth, attaching the new drawings, calculations and details.
This ensures the adjoining owner is fully informed of the change.
2. Allow the Statutory Notice Period
Once the 14-day notice period has passed (or consent/dissent is received), the surveyor(s) can proceed.
3. Issue a Further or Amended Award
Depending on the extent of the changes, this will be either:
- A Further Award / Addendum Award referencing the original Award, or
- A full replacement Award if the design changes are substantial and it makes sense to consolidate everything.
This ensures the procedure remains fully compliant with the Act.
Why This Matters
Updating the notices and Award is not just a formality. It provides:
- Clear authority for surveyors to administer the revised works.
- Proper protection for the building owner if anything goes wrong later.
- Clarity and transparency for the adjoining owner.
- A legally robust framework that reflects the actual works taking place.
Failing to re-notify and amend the Award can leave the building owner exposed to claims, disputes, or allegations of non-compliance.
Final Thoughts
If your Section 6 works change—whether deeper foundations, a longer extension, or altered excavation—then you should always assume a fresh notice and amended Award are required. It is the safest, most compliant, and most professional way to proceed under the Party Wall Act.
