Party Wall

Although there is no law preventing a property owner from making improvements without a party wall agreement, neighbours can seek a court injunction under the Party Wall Act 1996 if no notice is given.

Before starting work on a terraced or semi-detached property, it is advised to serve a party wall notice at least two months in advance, or obtain written agreement from neighbours if work will begin sooner.

At London Dream Lofts, we aim to make loft conversions convenient and cost-efficient by ensuring clients understand the importance of a party wall notice and the potential cost implications of not having one.

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It is important to note that all party wall notifications should be in done in writing and noted under provision of the Party Wall Act of 1996.

Here is a list of actions that may require one to give a party wall notice before a project of a loft conversion is to take place.

Raising of height or increasing the thickness of a shared wall
Removing a part of a wall or removing it completely to rebuild the party wall.
If the project plans involve cutting into the shared wall to remove any bearing of a beam or perhaps inserting a damp wall course into the wall
Whenever a party wall would need to be underpinned
A notice should be served even when their is a vacant property next to your property. The notice will be served on a visible part of the building under construction although you may not need to inform local authority.

In the event that an agreement is not met between yourself and your neighbour, there may be a need to hire an “Agreed Surveyor”. This task is carried out by two surveyors who represent either party (you and your neighbour) and are arbitrated by a third party. It is important for arbitration that the surveyors are external parties not affiliated with the loft conversion project that will take place.

From this, an award will be created on which it stipulates:

The work that is to be carried out, i.e a stunning loft conversion
When the project will be conducted and how it will be executed. This relates to the times the project will be taking place and on which days of the week it will be happening.
Additional measurements that are to be taken, considering they protect the property of the neighbour
The state of the neighbour’s property if necessary for any future court claims (in the case of damage to property)
Having access to the chosen surveyor through the construction of the project to make sure everything goes accordingly.