Party wall. Building Regulations.
Relatively scary and daunting phrases if you’re thinking of converting your loft. Where do you begin? What do you need to do to comply? This is where a loft conversion specialist is worth their weight in gold. They’ll talk you through all of the ins and outs of what you need to do to fulfil the various regulations when converting your loft. They’ll guide you towards all the difficult parts so that what’s left is the more enjoyable side of having a brand new room.
As loft conversion specialists ourselves, here’s our advice when it comes to considerations for party walls and Building Regulations.
Party Wall Agreements
Party walls are the walls which you share with your neighbours, for example, if you live in a semi-detached or terraced house. If you’re creating a loft conversion within a semi-detached or terraced house, you will need to bear in mind that party walls are likely to be involved.
For any structural work which affects party walls, you will need specific permission from the owners of the properties which neighbour yours and join onto you. Work such as cutting into a wall to insert a damp proof course, raising the height of the wall or demolishing and rebuilding the party wall entirely will need party wall agreements on top of any planning permission and Building Regulations.
If this is the case, your loft conversion company will be able to guide you through the process. There will be a cost for each required notice and they will need to be served at least two months prior to the work taking place under the Party Wall Act 1996.
It’s always best to have your loft conversion specialist advise what is required, as full details of the work being undertaken will need to be set out, and the planning of your loft conversion will need to take the party wall into account from the outset.
Building Regulations
Building Regulations govern the standards of building work. These include, but are not limited to, ensuring that the structure of the building is safe once the loft conversion build has taken place, fire safety within the loft conversion has been adhered to and thermal and sound insulation are adequate.
All loft conversions will need to be checked by your local authority Building Inspector in order to ensure that things like your staircase are in the correct place and that you meet all light and ventilation requirements.
There are many aspects that need to be taken into account in order to comply with Building Regulations, so it’s always best to use a loft conversion specialist. Aside from ensuring the work is compliant, they will also deal with the Building Inspectors’ visits for you, and any supporting paperwork, at each stage of the build.
Guidance on Party Walls and Building Regulations from your London Loft Conversion Specialist
There is much to consider when converting your loft. Precisely why it’s essential to engage a trusted loft conversion specialist to guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Rather than trying to do it all yourself, if you’re thinking of converting your loft, get in touch with Bespoke Lofts to see how we can walk you through the entire process, from party wall agreements to Building Regulations and everything else in between.