Here at Stokemont we are regularly contacted and asked to answer and clarify Party Wall Surveying related questions from building owners and adjoining owners. We thought we’d set out one of the more common questions we’ve found ourselves being asked recently.
This question surrounds a building owner’s wish to undertake a loft conversion to a semi detached or terraced property.
The building owner’s intention was to raise the Party Wall at roof level, commonly known as a Party Parapet Wall in timber. The raised timber section effectively forming the outer edge of his loft dormer.
The adjoining owner had raised concern and had requested the building owner raise the wall in brickwork, thereby enabling his use via enclosure in the future.
Neither the building owner or the adjoining owner had been able to agree on the situation, the contractor had confirmed they could do either, so we were asked to give an opinion on the best outcome!
First of all, we can confirm that under the Party Wall etc Act 1996, the building owner would indeed have the legal right to raise the party wall in timber.
Raising the wall in timber would not prejudice the rights of the adjoining owner in the future, as they would simply need to remove the outer layer of tiling to build directly off the dormer cheek that the building owner had built. Once the enclosure has taken place, the flank cheek of the dormer becomes a Party Wall.
This being said, in our experience it makes more sense to raise the party wall in brick, or blockwork, as it gives the adjoining owner more options in the future when they come to undertake their own works. It also avoids them having to partially deconstruct the dormer, remove tiles and tooth into it as part of their own.
Party Wall issues can quickly snowball, for this reason we’d always advise getting thorough and clear advice from an experienced and most importantly qualified Party Wall Surveyor.
A little known fact of the Party Wall etc Act 1996, is anyone can give themselves the title “Party Wall Surveyor”, this means that there are a great deal of differing professional in the market, some with little more experience than an academic understanding.
Here at Stokemont we fly the flag high for Party Wall Surveyors that hold industry leading governing bodies within property and construction. We are proud to confirm that any “Party Wall Surveyor” from Stokemont will at the very least be an RICS member and Chartered Surveyor.
If you’d like to discuss your Party Wall Surveying requirements with our Surveyors, give us a call today and we will be more than happy to assist and help.
