#1. Identifying the risk before demolition starts
A structural assessment as part of pre-demolition survey should specifically identify whether the structure being demolished shares a wall, foundation, or close structural proximity with a neighbouring building — this determines whether standard demolition method statements are sufficient or whether a shoring and propping plan is needed to support the retained structure once the attached building is removed.
#2. Notifying the neighbouring property
Good practice — and in many cases a practical necessity for coordinating access, timing, and shared-wall condition agreement — is to formally notify the neighbouring property owner before demolition works begin, including a joint or independently witnessed condition survey of the shared wall and any structures close to the boundary.
- Structural assessment identifying any shared wall or close structural proximity
- Formal notification to the neighbouring owner before works begin
- Joint or independently witnessed condition survey of the shared wall and boundary structures
- Shoring or propping method statement where a shared wall will be exposed after demolition
- Vibration monitoring during works where structural sensitivity is a concern
#3. Shoring the retained wall or structure
Where a party wall is retained after the attached structure is demolished, it typically wasn't engineered to stand independently — it relied on the now-removed building for lateral support. A structural engineer specifies temporary shoring or a permanent support solution before the demolition sequence reaches that wall, not as an afterthought once it's already exposed.
#4. Vibration and structural monitoring
On sites where the neighbouring structure is older, in questionable condition, or particularly close to the works, vibration monitoring equipment can track ground and structural vibration levels throughout demolition, giving an objective record if a dispute over damage arises later and, more importantly, an early warning if vibration approaches a level that risks the neighbouring structure.