Faulkner Surveyors
Faulkner Surveyors for Loft Conversion Tonbridge
Planning a loft conversion in Tonbridge?
Faulkner Surveyors understand that turning your loft into a usable space—whether it’s a new bedroom, office, or something else—can be exciting, but also a bit daunting when legal requirements pop up.
We have helped hundreds of homeowners in and around Tonbridge with party wall matters related to loft conversion Tonbridge, and we are happy to do the same for you.
Why Does Your Loft Conversion Trigger the Party Wall etc. Act 1996?
You might be wondering, “Why do I need to think about party wall rules just for a loft conversion?” It’s a fair question.
The answer is: it all comes down to shared structures.
Most loft conversions involve work on walls or parts of the property that are connected to your neighbour’s home—like shared (party) walls , chimney stacks , or the roof line . Even something like inserting steel beams into a party wall, or raising the height of the wall to build a dormer, can affect their property.
That’s why the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 kicks in. It’s there to protect both you and your neighbour by making sure the work is planned properly and that everyone is aware of what’s going on.
You’re not being punished for doing work—just asked to follow a process that avoids damage, misunderstandings, or disputes down the line.
When Is the Right Time to Serve a Party Wall Notice for Loft Work?
The ideal time to serve a Party Wall Notice is at least two months before the work is due to start.
This gives your neighbour time to review the plans and either agree to the work or raise any concerns.
Don’t leave it too late. Serving notice early gives both sides breathing room and keeps things civil. And remember, you can’t legally start the notifiable work until either:
- Your neighbour gives written consent, or
- A Party Wall Award has been agreed and served (if they dissent or don’t respond)
At Faulkner, we recommend building the notice process into your early planning. That way, there are no last-minute surprises and your project stays on track.
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What Risks Are Involved in Starting Loft Work Without an Agreement?
Starting loft work without serving notice or getting a Party Wall Agreement in place is a big risk —one that could end up costing you far more in time and money later on.
Here’s what could happen:
- Your neighbour could take legal action and apply for an injunction to stop the work immediately.
- If any damage occurs (even something minor like cracks or movement), you could be fully liable for repairs and even legal fees.
- You may be forced to undo some of the work if it was done without consent.
- It could lead to a strained relationship with your neighbour—something no one wants when you live side by side.
We always advise our clients to do things the right way from the start. It might seem like a bit of admin upfront, but it saves a lot of trouble down the line.
What Happens If Your Neighbour Ignores the Party Wall Notice?
If your neighbour doesn’t respond to the Party Wall Notice within 14 days , it’s treated as a legal dissent .
Don’t panic, it doesn’t mean they’re being difficult. Often, people are just unsure what it all means, or they forget to reply.
In this case, the next step is to appoint a surveyor (or two, if they want their own). The surveyor(s) will then prepare a Party Wall Award, a formal document that lays out how the work can proceed while protecting both properties.
At Faulkner, we handle this situation all the time. We’ll take care of the next steps and keep you informed, so things keep moving even if your neighbour goes quiet.
What’s the Typical Process Faulkner Follows for Loft-Related Party Wall Matters?
We like to keep things straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how we typically handle loft-related party wall issues:
- Initial chat and advice – We’ll speak with you about your plans, check if the work falls under the Party Wall Act, and explain what needs to happen.
- Drafting and serving the Party Wall Notice – We’ll prepare and send the notice to your neighbour(s), making sure it’s done correctly and on time.
- Handling the response – Whether they consent, dissent, or don’t reply at all, we’ll handle the process and guide you through what happens next.
- Carrying out a Schedule of Condition – If needed, we’ll do a full inspection of your neighbour’s property before work begins. This helps avoid any future disagreements.
- Ongoing support – We don’t disappear once the paperwork is done. If any questions or issues come up during the work, we’re here to help.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we believe in being friendly, clear, and efficient. No jargon, no stress—just the support you need to get your loft conversion done properly.