10 Jan Is a party wall agreement needed for a loft conversion?
Everything you need to know
If you are going to convert your loft, you will want to be sure that you are complying with all current building and planning regulations. One of the questions that we are asked the most is ‘do I need a party wall agreement for a loft conversion?’. Here, we will answer that question and give you all the information you need regarding the boxes that need to be ticked before loft conversions can be carried out.
When is a party wall agreement needed?
So, first of all, is a loft conversion party wall agreement necessary? The answer is yes – if the loft conversion will involve you making changes to any shared walls. So, this will only affect those who own semi-detached or terraced houses. The work carried out to convert a loft could involve your builder making structural changes to walls, chimneys, and the roof you share with your neighbour(s). This could, in theory, damage adjoining properties. A party wall agreement covers everyone the building work could possibly affect, and provides a way to resolve disputes.
What is a party wall agreement?
Now, onto the next question you want to ask: what is a party wall agreement for a loft conversion? This need for this agreement came into force with the Party Wall Act of 1996. This act was made law to make it easier for homeowners to seek permission from their neighbours before carrying out any work on their homes – and protecting those in neighbouring properties. It’s there to serve everyone’s interest, so don’t be tempted to overlook it during the planning process of your loft conversion; doing so could land you in hot water further down the line.
What kind of work makes a party wall agreement necessary?
You’ll only need to have a party wall agreement in place if the work you are planning to carry out could have a serious structural impact on the adjoining wall(s) that you share with any neighbours. If you are just going to be putting some shelves up or want to hang some pictures, doing so will not warrant you having to seek your neighbour’s permission. If you aren’t sure if you need to seek your neighbour’s permission at any point, it’s recommended that you reach out to a qualified surveyor for their professional opinion.
What should be included in a party wall notice letter?
If you are planning to serve a party wall notice, there are some things that you should include in that letter. They are as follows:
• The name and address of the owners of the property (joint owners should be listed individually)
• The address of the building to have the loft converted, which could be different from your main address
• Fully description of proposed works. If possible, include drawings
• The date that you plan to start the work. The notice letter should be dated too
If you are on good terms with your neighbours, feel free to discuss in person before you serve notice – there are no rules against this, and it can often make objections less likely.
Why call Add a Room?
If you are planning to convert your loft, you should always work with a building company with plenty of experience in the field.
Not only will we be able to transform your loft in line with your vision, but we will also provide a full breakdown of all the plans before work begins. We will be able to tell you if any work will affect walls and other structures that you share with your neighbours. You’ll then be able to present our plans to a surveyor for expert guidance on how to proceed. We work closely with party wall surveyors and can always recommend one for you as needed.
Get in touch today
Now you know the answer to ‘does a loft conversion need a party wall agreement’, there’s no stopping you from fully realising the vision that you have for your home.