loft extension by the neighbour

Tykva

Hello everyone,


Im not sure whether it is a question to be asked here but trying. We live in a terraced house and received a Notice of proposed works - Party structure notice from the neighbour next door. Basically they would like to convert their loft into a bedroom. They notify us that they intend to convert loft space which may involve placing up three structural carrying steels into the party wall supported appropriately on their side of the party wall and ending prior to any cavity space between the two buildings. The proposed work do not involve special foundations. If we are content for the works to go ahead as proposed they ask us to sign Acknowledgement of notice.


We are not builders, so we cant really judge the work done more than see that it ends prior cavity space between the two buildings. So is it their responsibility of builders to make sure everything will be done correct? They are not builders either. We just want to make sure that by signing the Acknowledgement we dont harm our rights in anyway. Please advise. Thank you very much!

lincroft1710

Under the Party Wall Act, you can instruct a firm of surveyors to act for you and the neighbours are obliged to pay your surveyor's fees.

vivster

By consenting, you do not give up your rights to sue your neighbour should their builders damage your property. But nor do you have the right the stop the work going ahead. Your neighbour can do anything they like to their own property provided they comply with building and planning regulations.

You can instruct a surveyor to act for you, and they will inspect your side of the wall, but they won't provide technical assurance.

We're currently waiting for a Party Wall Award (we're the side doing the work) and it's a poorly understood and drafted piece of legislation. It gives adjoining owners somewhat inflated views of their rights and encourages them to use surveyors, who seem not able to answer most basic concerns (will my neighbour's work undermine the structural integrity of my property?), not being structural engineers or building control officers.

But to answer your original question, no you do not harm your rights by agreeing. By insisting on a dispute, you may annoy your neighbours and you will certainly cost them extra money, but you would be within your rights.

Whatever you decide, it might be worth getting the condition of your side of the wall recorded before the work starts (you can ask a surveyor to do this or some other neutral party, or do it together with your neighbour) as it protects both sides. Or if you have specific concerns, maybe your neighbour can arrange for their engineer to come back out to answer any questions you may have.

dimbo61

A few years ago we removed the chimney breast from the middle of our house.
We ended up with Seven new steels going into the roof to support the removal of that One chimney breast.
Ask to see the plans and speak to the structural engineer to the see what is involved.
You may wish to do this yourself.