Loft conversion - Parapet wall

[tomcat_]

Hi all,

We are starting a loft conversion in our mid terrace property that is in the photo.

Our neighbors on the right (mid terrace as well) have already had a loft conversion some years back and before we bought our house.

Our neighbors on the left will also be starting a loft conversion within 2016.

My question is what is the best way to deal with the parapet walls in both properties.

If we do a similar job like the one on the right will we have enough gap for cladding, flashing etc?

Also on the left hand side is it preferable to do the same and leave a gap, or build a double stud wall and join roofs?

Thanks for your help

 

[Darluc]

Depending on where you live I would directly contact your council as I have issues with my council for raising the party wall- currently trying to enforce. Better ask for their direct advice even if it makes more sense to do it one way over the other. Best of luck

 

[tomcat_]

Depending on where you live I would directly contact your council as I have issues with my council for raising the party wall- currently trying to enforce. Better ask for their direct advice even if it makes more sense to do it one way over the other. Best of luck

Thanks for your reply.

I had a word with my neighbor and he hinted that he expects me to build on the inside of the double brick wall. However, i don't see how a builder will be able to hang tiles and do flashing in between the gap which will be only around 200mm?

 

[Darluc]

The builders I have used were very professional and there are ways for them to do it as they build along, even if is a longer and more expensive process. You just have to find the right ones for your job. My ones were happy to discuss quieries with the neighbours, not it depends how willing the neighbours are to discuss. I wish you best of luck and a stress free experience.

 

[tomcat_]

Thanks for that, i think i will need luck with any domestic building work.

From your post it seems that you faced a similar issue? Do you mind sharing what solution you ended up with please?

 

[Darluc]

For me the issue continues to be the council, not the neighbours. The builders I have used were professionals and they did the loft at very high standard in a little under 8 weeks. They indeed discussed with the neighbours the party wall , which on one side the neighbour was not sure therefor we employed a chartered party wall surveyer who has drawn an agreement between us and everything went to plan until the council came to say that they are not happy with party walls being raised and the 20 cm setback not being kept makes our extension look like another storey and even if there is nothing to say that we can not do that , it is their right to enforce as it changes the character of the area. I discussed the issue with the builders, which can not understand ( same as me) why is this an issue but i have now to apply for planning to retain the loft as it stands. I will probably have to go through the appeal process if is unsuccesfull and i have employed a new arhitect as the one I had always said it is ok to build it this way. It is a long storey but what i have to say is get everything in writing from Council. Building regulation are not reliable in terms of following plans or giving PD avise even if you pay them and as the builder said: different policies applies to different parts of London ; and Newham has stricter laws than chelsea and Westminster. Any specifics you can pm me.