Before you carry out your loft conversion project you might find that you need to obtain a Party Wall Award for your London property.
The Award is designed to reduce the impact of the work you’re undertaking in respect of your neighbours and to protect the interests of all parties involved. This is why it is always advisable to speak to a party wall surveyor before you make any changes to your home.
This document is known as a “Party Wall Notice” and must be properly prepared and served on your neighbour by the Party Wall Surveyor.
By appointing a London Party Wall Surveyor they will be able to oversee all of the relevant legal and construction matters, serve the Party Wall Notice correctly and make the process as smooth as possible. It is important to get this right as any errors here could hold you liable in the future. The notice should include the following:
Moreover, the notice must:
Once the notice has been served, your London party wall surveyors will follow a certain procedure to ensure that the dispute is resolved as soon as possible. If you believe that you require a Party Wall Agreement for your loft conversion, it is a good idea to have an informal chat with your neighbours about your proposed loft renovations. By giving them advance warning, they should be more prepared when they receive notice and this should preserve your relationship with them. You will still have to serve a Party Wall Notice even if they give verbal agreement. Procedures under the Party Wall Act must always be followed. However, a conversation should make the process a lot easier. After doing this you should appoint a party wall surveyor who will prepare and serve a Party Wall Notice.
