advice on furnishing a roof terrace

cluelessoncanvey

Hi, just had my offer accepted on place that hasn't got much room for storage but does have a roof garden. So where's the best place to go for advice in this area (google search keeps getting results on how to build other than how to decorate (other than companies flogging you stuff).

Currently my idea is to erect a shed, the EA has told me verbally that structurally there is no issue, but would need to know how to secure it (web searches have informed wind knocking shed over is the biggest factor), garden is above the 1st floor, ie ground floor, 1st floor then roof terrace.

The other question about storing stuff on the roof (also thinking about getting some chests up there in the first instance, that can double as seats) is how to line the storage to prevent damp, so I can store stuff like boardgames, books and clothes without a problem (that's most of my stuff!)

So any advice on this will be most helpful.

DRP

cluelessoncanvey wrote: »

the EA has told me verbally that structurally there is no issue

Check!

The EA isn't a professional, and has a vested interest in your acquiesence...

System

Is it a flat (I assume so) you need to check that you actually own the roof terrace and whether you are permitted to put anything on it - only saying that as I recently viewed a flat with a massive roof terrace but then discovered that they had no paperwork to say it was ok to use for that purpose and the access was only "assumed" - could end up messy if you damage the roof or downstairs get a leak at some point

DTDfanBoy

DRP wrote: »

Check!

The EA isn't a professional, and has a vested interest in your acquiesence...

Do this, also ensure that it has the relevant planning permission

cluelessoncanvey

Thanks, it is advertised with Roof Terrace, is indeed a flat, my side normal roof converted into bedrooms with doorway leading onto the roof of the neighbouring flat. Sounds like I'm on the wrong section of the forums again from the advice! I assume this will be part of the checks done by the surveyor (or solicitor?)

Planning permission is a confusing one as it looks like each council is different, I've read advice saying as long as it doesn't hinder anyones view (there's only one other property nearby with a roof garden - next door - so wouldn't have thought so), can't be seen from road (could build it the far side, but still maybe able to see it from pavement if peering carefully) that it wouldn't require planning permission, but yet ro check out my specific council.

Was going to ask surveyor to check out load capacity of roof. Also the EA said it'd need the freeholders permission, so have to ask them to check that next time I speak to them.

Meanwhile my dad suggested crystals to remove the damp, don't know how affective these are.

System

it doesn't matter what it's advertised as - it does have a roof terrace, but it could be in use by a gentlemans agreement rather than a formal ownership for the flat - is it a new build?

cluelessoncanvey

Nope. It's kinda weird when it comes to leaseholds, because you woudl think it being their ceiling and all it would belong to the flat below, but I am guessing the underside (ceiling) belongs to them and roofside to me, the freeholder owning the whole lot. QUestion here is, is there any free way of finding out this information before getting the surveyor involved, I'm guessing not, you just get the EA and freeholders word until you pay qualified professionals to check these things out for you. Not had it confirmed by freeholder but would like to think the EA spoke to them, but I don't trust this particular EA and have been told not to trust any!

DRP

cluelessoncanvey wrote: »

Meanwhile my dad suggested crystals to remove the damp, don't know how affective these are.

Assuming the roof will support the weight, then i'd just put a standard shed on lengths of timber or patio slabs with some dpm (if you're feeling paranoid).

It shouldn't get damp in there if the roof is intact and the doors/windows fit well.

I'm not so sure about crystals - is that some kind of kharmic rain prevention?

brightontraveller

cluelessoncanvey wrote: »

Nope. It's kinda weird when it comes to leaseholds, because you woudl think it being their ceiling and all it would belong to the flat below, but I am guessing the underside (ceiling) belongs to them and roofside to me, the freeholder owning the whole lot. QUestion here is, is there any free way of finding out this information before getting the surveyor involved, I'm guessing not, you just get the EA and freeholders word until you pay qualified professionals to check these things out for you. Not had it confirmed by freeholder but would like to think the EA spoke to them, but I don't trust this particular EA and have been told not to trust any!

If the roof is allowed to be used it will be in the lease ditto any special conditions, covenants, limitations etc get a copy of the lease prior to anything else ?