Do I Need a Party Wall Award for a Loft Extension?

Are you planning to extend your loft space? Do you know if you need a party wall award for the project? If not, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll discuss what a party wall award is, when it's required, and everything you need to know about party walls in the context of loft extensions.

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Introduction

Loft extensions are a great way to create more space in your home without having to move to a bigger house. They're also a cost-effective way to add value to your property. However, loft extensions can be complex projects, and they often require planning permission and building regulations approval. One aspect of loft extensions that many homeowners are unaware of is the need for a party wall award.

What is a Party Wall Award?

An award is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of homeowners who share a party wall. A party wall is a wall that separates two or more properties, and it's usually found in semi-detached or terraced houses.

An award is required when a homeowner wants to undertake certain types of work on their property, including loft extensions. The award is a legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of the work and provides protection for both parties involved.

When is a Party Wall Award Required?

A party wall award is required when a homeowner wants to undertake work on a party wall or within three metres of a party wall. This includes loft extensions, as they often involve work on the party wall that separates two properties.

Do I Need a Party Wall Award for a Loft Extension?

Yes, you will likely need a party wall award for a loft extension. If your property shares a party wall with another property, or if your loft extension is within three metres of a party wall, you will need to obtain a party wall award before you can start work.

How Do I Obtain a Party Wall Award for a Loft Extension?

To obtain a party wall award for a loft extension, you'll need to follow these steps:

1.) Notify your neighbours: You'll need to notify your neighbours in writing of your intention to carry out the work. This notice should be served at least two months before the work is due to start.

2.) Obtain consent: Your neighbours will have 14 days to respond to the notice. If they give their consent in writing, you won't need a party wall award.

3.) Appoint a party wall surveyor: If your neighbours don't consent, or if they fail to respond within 14 days, you'll need to appoint a party wall surveyor.

4.) Agree on the terms: The party wall surveyor will prepare a party wall award that sets out the terms and conditions of the work.

What Happens if I Don't Obtain a Party Wall Award for a Loft Extension?

If you don't obtain a party wall award for a loft extension, you could be breaking the law. Your neighbours could take legal action against you, and you could be liable for damages. Additionally, if you don't obtain a party wall award, you may have difficulty selling your property in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a party wall?

A: A party wall is a wall or structure that separates two or more properties.

Q: What types of work require a party wall award?

A: Work that requires a party wall award includes work on a party wall or within three metres of a party wall. This includes loft extensions.

Q: How long does it take to obtain a party wall award?

A: It can take up to two months to obtain a party wall award. You'll need to serve notice to your neighbours at least two months before the work is due to start, and they have 14 days to respond. If they don't respond, or if they don't give their consent, you'll need to appoint a party wall surveyor, which can take additional time.

Q: How much does a party wall award cost?

A: The cost of a party wall award can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the fees charged by the party wall surveyor. You'll need to budget for the cost of the surveyor's fees, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Q: What happens if my neighbours don't agree to the work?

A: If your neighbours don't agree to the work, you'll need to appoint a party wall surveyor who will prepare a party wall award that sets out the terms and conditions of the work.

Q: What should I do if I'm unsure if I need a party wall award for my loft extension?

A: If you're unsure if you need a party wall award for your loft extension, give us a call. We can advise you on the requirements and help you obtain the necessary paperwork.

Conclusion

If you're planning a loft extension, it's important to understand the requirements for a party wall award. You'll need to notify your neighbours, obtain consent or appoint a party wall surveyor, and agree on the terms of the award before you can start work. Failing to obtain a party wall award can result in legal and financial consequences, so it's essential to follow the correct procedures.

In summary, if you're asking yourself, "Do I need a party wall award for a loft extension?" the answer is likely yes. Be sure to consult with a party wall surveyor to ensure that you follow the necessary steps and obtain the appropriate permits and agreements.

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Further Guidance when appointing a Party Wall Surveyor

If you are a Building Owner planning work to your property and need help to manage the Party Wall process, please get in touch.

If you are an Adjoining Owner and have received a notice we can advise on how you can best protect your property.

For information on how the Party Wall Act affects you see our Party Wall Fact Sheet.

You can also find further information in our Party Wall FAQs. This has been compiled this from questions we are often asked about the Act.

You can also find guidance on choosing a Party Wall Surveyor in our recent news article.

There is some further information in the government’s explanatory booklet on the Party Wall process.

If you are unsure how the Party Wall Act affects your property and want some advice give us a call. Also see our recent article on whether you need a party wall award for a garden room.

If you would rather we called you instead, please fill in our Contact form and we will be in touch.

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Local Party Wall Surveyors

To contact a Party Wall surveyor that's local to you, see details of our teams in :

For advice direct from one of our Surveyors, please call our Enquiry line on 020 4534 3135.

If you are planning work that is covered by the Act, or if you have received notice of work from a neighbour and want advice on how best to protect your property please contact: