Most people discover the thought of coping with party wall issues a daunting prospect. The Party Wall Etc Act has many connotations, so it is no surprise a large number of people have difficulties with it.Things can become even more convoluted in major cities like London, that have many period properties and buildings near each other. It is vital that these issues are dealt with properly.Explaining the Party Wall etc Act 1996The Act provides rights and responsibilities whichever side of the 'wall' you're on. For the party undertaking the work the Act provides for rights not afforded by common law, such as for example access onto the neighbours land to carry out some or all of the proposed works, or provide temporary works (e.g. scaffolding) during the course of the works.It is important to understand the Act whether it's you or your neighbour who proposes to handle work on shared or near by structures. The Act covers work on structures such as shared walls, floors/ceilings of flats, garden walls, and excavations near a neighbouring property. https://westmidlandssurveyor.co.uk/best-party-wall-surveys-west-midlands/  of the Act is that all work which might have an effect upon the structural strength or support function of a party wall or may cause damage to the neighbouring side of the wall should be notified.Some of work covered by the Act is listed below:    Demolishing and/or rebuilding a celebration wall.    Increasing the height or thickness of a PW    Cutting into the PW to take load bearing beams.    Underpinning a PW.    Excavations within 3 metres of a neighbouring building where in fact the excavation will go below the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.    Excavations within 6 metres of a neighbouring building where the excavation will go below a line drawn 45� downwards from the bottom of the foundations of the neighbouring building.Work which is not covered by the Act includes adding shelves and wall units, replastering and electrical rewiring.If your planned work on an existing structure falls beneath the Act, you must then issue a notice to all affected neighbouring parties. The neighbouring parties must then decide whether they desire to dispute the notice or not.As with all work affecting neighbours, it is usually better to reach a friendly agreement. Even where in fact the work requires a notice to be served, it is better to informally discuss the intended work, think about the neighbours comments, and if practical amend your plans accordingly.