The Extension

John and Ann live in a terraced house. Over a two year period, the neighbours on either side decided to build extensions.

The first proposal only came to light when the extension had already commenced. We reviewed the drawings with the neighbour’s Architect and advised on amendments to ensure that fire integrity was maintained, as well as detailing to eliminate potential problems with damp penetration.

Agreement was also reached in relation to maintaining privacy by raising part of the boundary wall, as a new window was turned to face towards the client’s property.

The second proposal involved building along the party wall, and raising a section of roof. Following review of the drawings with the neighbour’s builder, the roof pitch was amended to reduce overshadowing of the clients patio, and eliminate the need for an overhanging gutter.

The cost of all work was borne by the neighbours in each case.    

The Attic Conversion

EG’s concerns started with noisy drilling to the party wall to her semi-detached house. We met with the builder and received a briefing on the proposal to convert the attic.

The existing water tanks had been removed for relocation. However, the support for the tanks consisted of steel that passed through the party wall and supported the corresponding tanks in the adjoining attic. As a result, it was akin to a see-saw arrangement, and the removal of the tanks from one side resulted in the corresponding tanks being inadequately supported. The tanks had already started to move.
 

The drilling to the wall had been due to new structural timbers being proposed to be built into the wall. We directed additional support to be provided under the clients tanks, and ensured that the holes formed in the wall for support did not compromise the fire separation between the two houses, and were in accordance withBuilding Regulations.

Both house owners benefitted from the input of Mypartywall. The cost of both the support to the tanks and the fees associated with the advice were paid by the neighbour.

Garage Conversion and Extension

An elderly client was approached by the neighbour, who wished to convert their adjoining garage and also provide a first floor extension over.

Mypartywall advised  on the need to ensure that the foundations were adequate for the extra floor, the fire separation, amended drainage and the flashing and integrity of the roof finish to the client’s garage.

The works were agreed to be carried out in such a way that the client could carry out a similar conversion and extension with minimum problems in the future.

New Party Wall

When TM’s neighbours informed him that they were proposing to build an extension to their adjoining semi-detached house, he contacted Mypartywall. He had concerns as the builders wanted to demolish the garden wall, as it was very close to the new side wall to the extension.

Weoutlined the options to TM, and in the course of this TM mentioned that he hoped to extend at some time.We advised how a new party wall could be constructed now, that would have the flexibility to serve as the new wall to any future extension by TM and his family. Both houses gained valuable room width in avoiding building two walls  

By allowing the wall to be built to details provided by the expert, the cost of the wall was borne by the neighbour and with a contribution by TM so that he has the beneficial right to use the wall.

Building on the Boundary Wall

This is a very common issue, and where the proposal is to repalce or incorporate the boundary wall in a new structure.

A recent case involved the extending and raising of the wall to a previous utility room built on the boundary. We advised as to the rights - that there was not an entitlement to do either. However agreement was reached with some amended detailing lowering the wall and acknowledgement that the adjoining owner could use it in the future.

Another case involved a wall that was in poor condition and needed to be rebuilt. There were also original coal houses. One owner wanted to build an extension. It was agreed that this would be allowed forming a new Party Wall and construction of a new shed. The remainder of the garden wall was rebuilt, and details included ensuring the drainage was adequately protected.  

Proposed House

The grandson of an elderly woman contacted Mypartywall as the neighbours had approached with plans for a new mews house beside her property. The proposal was to build close to the party boundary, which we advised would leave an inadequate space for maintaining either flank wall.

We advised on the manner in which the adjoining building should interface with the existing house.

However, the neighbour proceeded with lodging a planning application as originally proposed.

We lodged an objection to the planning application on behalf of the client, and planning permission was refused. 

Overhanging Roof

A neighbour constructed an extension and the roof and gutter oversailed the existing wall to to our client's garage. Issues arose in relation to where the leagl boundary was, and what would occur if it was proposed to construct an extension over the garage.

We established that the garage was constructed entirely within the lands of our client and the extension roff had to be amended to eliminate oversailing.

Establishing Boundary Location

Client's first contact often seeks advice on whether a wall is a party wall. A boundary wall is not neccessarily a Party Wall - it could be owned outright by either neighbour.

Our investigations will include measuring the property and features, and also surrounding setting - for example comparing the other boundaries. It will also include comparing title maps, which should give vital information to aid in identifying the actual location of the legal boundary.

Even where a wall is not a Party Wall, either owner may have entitlements where maintenance, survey or building works are proposed. Under the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act, the precise location of the boundary may be academic in relation to allowing works and access. We advise in relation to these matters.