OUR MUST-READ GUIDE ON PARTY WALLS
Not every loft conversion requires a party wall agreement.
A party wall is a wall that sits directly on the boundary of land between two different properties. Perfect examples include the walls that separate terraced or semi-detached houses.
The boundary between two gardens is known as the Party Fence Wall.
A Party Wall Agreement is needed if you plan on carrying out any building work near or on a party wall. You must tell your neighbour’s, provide them with a Party Wall Notice and come up with a Party Wall Agreement in writing, before the loft construction commences.
It is important to note Charles Grosvenor do not serve the Party Wall Notice. It is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Any Work to shared walls between semi-detached and terraced houses.
Work to garden boundary walls.
Excavation Works or underpinning, to or close to the party wall, within 3 to 6 meters.
Making party walls thicker or higher.
Building a new wall up to or off the party wall.
Building a second-storey extension above a shared wall.
A Party Wall Notice must be given to your neighbours to provide them with notice of the loft conversion works you intend to carry out to the party wall in question.
This should be given to your neighbours between two months and twelve months in advance of the loft conversion starting.
Planning permission is not required to serve a party wall notice and, because you will have up to 12 months to start your bespoke loft conversion once the notice has been served, it is a good idea to do this as soon as possible in order to avoid delays.
It is good practice to speak with your neighbours in person before serving written notice in order to reassure them that you are taking the correct steps and precautions.
We advise our clients to give their neighbours details of the Governments Party Wall information to help them understand the process avoiding any confusion.
The Notice should include:
Your contact information
Comprehensive details of your new loft conversion
The proposed start date
Access requirements over your neighbours property
If an agreement can not be reached. A party wall surveyor will need to be appointed. You could appoint a surveyor to work for both of you, or each appoint your own. The surveyor will arrange a Party Wall Award, setting out details of the work. The Party Wall Award is a legal document setting out what, how and when work can be carried out. The homeowner having the loft conversion will incur surveyor’s fees.
Please remember, all aspects of the Party Wall agreement are to be carried out by the homeowner. Charles Grosvenor are unable to handle this for you.
If you’re dreaming of a loft conversion, don’t let any party wall agreement concerns hold you back. By working with a knowledgeable loft conversion specialist, you can navigate the process with ease and create a beautiful new space that enhances your home and lifestyle.
