Loft conversions are a great incentive for experienced party wall surveyors‘ skills. Such schemes represent excellent value creating extra living spaces for houses that often use the development of master bedrooms with en-suites, home offices, or even walk-in wardrobes.

Execution is Expected During Loft Conversions

Generally, a smooth execution can be expected during most loft conversions; savvy contractors execute the job with alacrity. As such, loft conversions top the list of one of the most popular residential projects undertaken by owners.

During the design-to-conversion

onversion process, maximum floor space with a usable design for in-situ construction and economy is sought. For most houses, especially semi-detached or terraced houses, in England and Wales. There will be party walls at roof level, commonly known as party parapet walls. These protrude above the roof line, often joining shared or jointly owned chimney stacks.
The raising of the party parapet wall, probably using providing brickwork, is now a viable possibility that can greatly help to improve the proposed loft space.

A question that Party Walls Surveyors is often asked by owners of buildings

who wish to do loft conversions is whether the Party Wall Act allows them to raise the party parapet wall. Section 2(2)(A) of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 clearly gives rights to building owners to raise a party wall, which specifically includes the party parapet wall at roof level.
Necessary party wall procedures must again be adhered to, ie the Party Wall Notices must have served on the parties. Agreement to a Schedule of Condition report and Party Wall Award.

These all serve as compliance with the legal requirements

Stipulated under the Party Wall Act, except where statutory consents are required, such as planning permissions and access licenses.
Building over, or against, a raised parapet wall A related question is about building over, or against, a raised parapet wall. In this case, where the raised part of the wall, although previously constructed wholly by one owner, includes a shared wall, equally situated on each property, the building owner has a right to build over it for the purpose of their loft extension.
However, the cost of the raised party parapet wall prior is necessary to be compensated towards the neighbouring owner. This compensation is offered by Section 11(11) of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Conclusion

If the building owner carrying out the loft conversion compensates the adjoining owner satisfactorily with regard to the raised party parapet wall then they have a legal entitlement to use it for their designs.
Party wall procedures are usually complicated mixes of legal and construction understanding. Our party wall surveyors here at ‘Survey Assist’ have years of experience working with party wall surveying projects, and you can be sure to find answers to each and every question that may arise, no matter how simple or complicated, about your loft conversion, such as party wall matters.