Loft Conversions

Many people across the country are undertaking alteration and extension works to their property. A common way of maximising a house is to convert the loft into habitable accommodation. We will take a look at the ways in which a common loft conversion will trigger the party wall act and what you need to do.

Loft Structural Work

Most loft conversions will require alterations to the roof structure. To achieve this, normally two or three steel beams are installed running full width of the house. If you live in a mid terrace or semi-detached house then you will need to support the steels from a shared ‘party’ wall.

A hole is cut into the wall, normally an element of concrete is put in the hole and the steel will rest on the concrete. The hole is then made good to close the party wall.

Loft Roofing Work

You can choose to raise the party wall but most people will raise a box (called a box dormer) to the rear, near to but not over the boundary. You may still need to lap a lead flashing (weathering) over the party wall and this could trigger the party wall act.

Lofts and the Party Wall Act

Whenever you put a steel in a party wall or cut into shared walls to put in a flashing you need to serve a notice upon your neighbour, informing them what you are proposing. This must be served at least 2 months before you start the work. The neighbours can consent to the work and you can begin. They also have the right to dissent to the notice and you would then need to appoint a party wall surveyor. The surveyor/s will inspect the plans, inspect the neighbouring property to record its condition and then prepare an award that will let you begin the works. They will normally undertake a final inspection when you finish, to make sure that there is no damage.

For more information, feel free to give us a call.