Getting on with our neighbours is important. So, when it comes to building work, keeping on the good side of those you share a community with will be a priority for many homeowners.
When it comes to a loft conversion, neighbours’ rights are an important consideration. However, that’s not to say that your neighbours will be able to stop your loft conversion from happening. Here’s what you need to know to make sure everything goes smoothly while you’re having your attic extended.
Planning permission and neighbour objections
You don’t need to seek permission from your neighbours to carry out a loft conversion. Indeed, you may not even need planning permission, if what you are proposing to do in terms of converting your loft falls within Permitted Development.
However, your neighbours are entitled to have objections to your plans. This could be down to issues such as privacy and whether the resulting build will overlook their property, or how the loft conversion will affect the look of the exterior of your home, for example.
If your loft conversion is granted planning permission or is within Permitted Development, neighbour objections won’t stop the work from going ahead. You will need to ensure that you comply with the plans granted and all loft conversion building regulation stipulations, but work can take place even with neighbour objections.
Party wall agreements
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached property and will be carrying out any building work which affects a party wall – the internal wall that is shared with a neighbour – it is necessary to have a Party Wall Agreement in place before building work commences. If your property is detached, you will not need a party wall agreement.
The Party Wall Agreement is a legal document which needs to be arranged two months before any structural changes are made, to allow your neighbour time to consider the proposals. If they agree to your proposed changes, no more needs to be done and work can commence.
However, if they object to works affecting the party wall, an official dispute will begin and both parties will need to hire surveyors (at the cost of whoever is having the loft conversion) in order to come to an agreement.
This agreement will likely include and outline the following:
- What work needs to take place as part of the loft conversion
- How it will be carried out
- When it will be carried out
When it comes to a loft conversion, neighbours’ rights such as those over a party wall are important. But even where there’s a dispute, it won’t necessarily mean that your neighbours can stop your loft conversion outright.
Loft conversion Building Regulation stipulations
Whether your loft conversion receives objections from neighbours or not, it’s essential to comply with loft conversion Building Regulation stipulations. This will not only keep you safe within your property and ensure it is saleable going forward, it will also keep your neighbours safe.
Reassuring your neighbours that loft conversion Building Regulation rules will be adhered to will go a long way to helping keep them on board with your loft build.
Keep on the right side of your neighbours with a loft conversion from Bespoke Lofts
When it comes to a loft conversion, neighbours’ rights are a natural worry for many homeowners. But with good two-way communication and adherence to all official procedures such as Party Wall Agreements and loft conversion Building Regulation rules, the build should run smoothly.
Appointing an experienced loft conversion specialist such as Bespoke Lofts will also help. After many years of creating loft conversions in a manner which keeps neighbours onside, we can help make sure everything runs without a hitch.
To discuss your loft conversion plans and any concerns over neighbour relations, get in touch with Bespoke Lofts today.