Structural steelwork
Cutting into a party wall to provide support or bearing for new structural members can be notifiable under the Act.
100+ five-star reviews · FPWS & RPSA members · London & the Home Counties
100+ five-star reviews · FPWS & RPSA members · London & the Home Counties
Loft conversion project guide
Planning a loft conversion? We’ll guide you through any Party Wall requirements for structural beams, shared walls and related works.
Party Wall considerations
In terraced and semi-detached houses the party wall usually runs up into the roof space, so structural work at loft level can affect it directly.
Cutting into a party wall to provide support or bearing for new structural members can be notifiable under the Act.
Structural supports associated with new beams can affect the party wall and should be considered as part of the proposed works.
Removing or altering chimney breasts connected with a party wall can involve Party Structure procedures.
Raising, exposing or carrying out certain works to a party wall at roof level can require consideration under the Act.
By loft type
The type of conversion is a useful starting point, but the structural drawings show whether the party wall is affected.
Rear dormers often involve new steels bearing on or into the party wall, together with flashings.
Building up the gable can involve work to or alongside the party wall, together with new steelwork.
Mansards can involve raising the party wall and supporting new structure from it.
A rooflight-only conversion may not involve notifiable work, although new joists or beams bearing on the party wall would change that.
Do I need a Notice?
Not every loft conversion requires Party Wall procedures. A rooflight-only conversion, for example, may not involve notifiable work to a shared structure.
Where the design involves steelwork bearing into a party wall, chimney alterations or other work directly affecting the party structure, a Notice may be required.
The Party Wall process
We review the proposed works and identify the relevant Party Wall requirements.
Where required, the appropriate Party Wall Notices are prepared and served.
The next stage depends on the adjoining owner’s response.
Two possible routes from here
Route A — If they consent
The adjoining owner consents to the Notice.
The neighbouring property can be inspected and recorded before the relevant works begin.
The relevant works can proceed subject to the wider requirements of the project.
Route B — If they dissent
A Party Wall dispute arises for the purposes of the Act.
The owners appoint an Agreed Surveyor or separate surveyors.
The neighbouring property is inspected and recorded where appropriate.
The surveyor(s) agree and serve the Party Wall Award dealing with the notifiable works.
The relevant works can proceed in accordance with the Award and wider requirements of the project.
How we help
We look at the structural detail early, so the Party Structure position is understood before steelwork is ordered.
The Party Wall route
If the Act applies, we’ll identify and serve the appropriate Notices for the proposed works.
Learn about Party Wall NoticesThe Party Wall process may remain relatively straightforward.
A Schedule of Condition can also be arranged where appropriate.
Surveyor appointment(s) are required and the matter can progress towards a Party Wall Award.
Tell us about your project and we’ll confirm which route applies.
Already have drawings?
Architectural drawings are usually enough for an initial review. Structural information can also be provided where available.
Frequently asked questions
General guidance only. Whether the Act applies depends on the drawings and the position of neighbouring buildings.
No. Whether a Notice is required depends on whether the design involves work to the party wall or another party structure, such as steel bearings, chimney alterations or raising the wall.
Where a beam is cut into or bears on the party wall, this is generally work to a party structure and a Notice may be required. Beams supported independently of the party wall may not be notifiable.
Yes. The Act gives a building owner rights to cut into a party wall to take the bearing of a beam, subject to serving Notice and following the Act’s procedures.
Where the chimney breast is attached to a party wall, cutting it away is generally work under Section 2 and a Party Structure Notice may be required.
Often, because dormers commonly involve new steelwork and flashings to the party wall. The structural drawings show how the beams are supported.
Not automatically. If the party wall is not affected, a Notice may not be needed, but new joists or beams bearing on the wall would change the position.
Where the adjoining owner consents in writing, a dispute does not arise for that Notice and the notified work can proceed subject to the wider requirements of the project. A Schedule of Condition can still be arranged where appropriate.
A dispute arises for the purposes of the Act. The owners appoint an Agreed Surveyor or separate surveyors, who agree and serve a Party Wall Award dealing with the notifiable works.
Related
How the correct Notices are prepared, served and responded to online.
Learn moreWhat an Award covers, the surveyor appointment routes and the fixed fees.
Learn moreA dated record of the neighbouring property before works begin, where appropriate.
Learn moreOne surveyor appointed by both owners, where both agree.
Learn moreWhere your neighbour dissents and separate surveyors are appointed.
Learn moreAn initial indication of whether a Party Wall Notice is likely to be required.
Learn moreChimney breasts, steel beams and party structures.
Learn moreSend us your drawings and we’ll confirm whether the Act is likely to apply and agree a fixed fee before any work begins.
Practical guidance from our Party Wall Surveyors to help you understand the process and your options.
Planning Building Work
Find out how loft conversions involving steel beams, shared walls and structural alterations can trigger Party Wall requirements.
Read guide: Loft Conversions & Party Walls: What Homeowners Need to Know
Planning Building Work
Chimney breast removal can affect shared masonry and structural support. Understand the Party Wall implications before work starts.
Read guide: Removing a Chimney Breast: Do You Need a Party Wall Notice?
The Party Wall Act
A simple explanation of the three main Party Wall Notice types and how statutory timescales work.
Read guide: Party Wall Notices Explained: Types and Timescales