Loft conversion - help!?

Question

My neighbour has just handed me a form to sign stating that I have no objection to them using the party walls between our houses for their imminent loft conversion. The work is to install structural support beams in the wall. Is this something that I need to take advice on before I sign? Who do I go to? And is this something that my neighbour should pay for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am in the UK.

Answer 1

ask a local builder his opinion, or a surveyor. The people next door should have already had a surveyors report,so you could ask them if you could have a look at it before you sign,however if their surveyors hasn't checked the wall on your side, it wont tell you about any problems which could accure on your side. I know ! The citizens advice bureau !!

Answer 2

In England/Wales, (Scotland and Northern Ireland may differ) your neighbour now has to give you a "party wall notice" before commencing work which affects a party wall, as in your case. You are now entitled to instruct a surveyor, at your neighbour's expense, to reach a "Party Wall Agreement" with the neighbour's surveyor, to make sure that the work is done properly. So, go and instruct a Chartered Surveyor (but before you get too involved, ask him her to confirm that I'm right about the bill!).
Google "party wall" and check out the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) summary of The Party Walls etc Act 1996.

Answer 3

I would take it to an Attorney.

You want to have he or she look over the form you have and probably prepare one that holds them liable for any damage physical or in terms of sound, to your living space.

He or she can always try to make them financially liable for his charges.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

if the job is done right you have nothing to worry about. but i would ask your neighbour for a letter ensuring it will be done so(say you need it if you decide to sell your house)

Answer 5

D.I.Y. ...........sorry