TinTin

Over 10 years ago my wife’s first husband agreed with our neighbours to have a joint build of porches then pulled out at the last minute. This resulted in the wall between our properties straddling the boundary line (easily identifiable as the 2 halves are mirror images of each other, identifiable in the image by the colour differences in masonry paint), the roof projecting over our property and some screeding on our side of the property. I’m looking to build a porch, effectively completing the original intention of a party wall and a roof continuous between the properties. Clearly we need a party wall agreement. I’m confident of being able to knock one up once I’ve spoken with our neighbours to have a discussion to clear the way for the formal process. I’ve mentioned building a porch to the husband next door several times over the last few years and he’s raised no issues. However, I fear his wife may cut up rough over this. Unfortunately, as the porch was probably built over 12 years ago I fear they may have a claim for adverse possession. The issue essentially boils down to the party wall, altering their roof tiles over my property and the party wall air brick that my porch will enclose. Can anyone help with advice before I blunder on, please?

Hello, everyone. To introduce myself, I've been DIYing since I helped my father some 50 years ago. Over the years I've turned my hand to most house DIY/improvement tasks. Having effectively had to take ill-health early retirement from work (over the years an engineering manager and a specialist number-cruncher), I'm on a long-term project to renovate a 1930s semi that has been neglected for over 20 years. The project is probably more occupational therapy than hobby or money-saving venture. I've just about finished the grounds (limestone slab patios, front drive/garden in York stone cut slabs, close board fencing, garden walls, glass balcony railings, bespoke oak summer house from reclaimed materials etc), replaced skirting boards after getting a wood floor fitted (I've done one myself before but got a friend to do this one), and revamped/replaced much of the heating system beyond the boiler and immersion tank. I'm now turning my attention to a possible porch, kitchen revamp, bathroom revamp/replacement and general room redecorations. So far I've managed with my own research, skill development and experience. Times have moved on though and I think it's about time that I started to look for support and advice on some of the things I have coming up. I look forward to that and hope that in due course of time I'll be able o give back as much as I get.