Living in a mid terrace house comes with both advantages and disadvantages. You will be protected from the weather and will save on heating bills. But, you will have to put up with the proximity of neighbours, on both sides of your home. You may learn to live with noise and an untidy adjoining garden, but what happens when you, or your neighbour, decide to convert their loft. A mid terrace loft conversion can cause problems, feuds, and can be very costly.
Mid Terrace Loft Conversion : The Party Wall Act
Before even thinking about your mid terrace loft conversion, you need to be aware of the Party Wall Act. If you have walls that adjoin with neighbouring properties, you cannot simply convert your loft. Paperwork can become tiresome, and things can get heated when your neighbours do not consent to the building works.
When you are planning a mid terrace loft conversion, you will need permission of both sets of neighbours. If one or both decline, then there is little you can do. You may decide to carry out a basement conversion instead; but once again, you will need a party wall act. If only one neighbour will give permission, then you could carry out a partial conversion, if your home is wide enough.
You must present your plans to your neighbours, sign a party wall agreement, and take out party wall insurance. If something goes wrong and the safety of adjoining properties is compromised, then you can understand why you neighbours will not be pleased! The good news is that your neighbours will need to provide good reason for the building works to not go ahead. Legislation will also actually allow you to cut into and rebuild party walls.
Mid Terrace Loft Conversion : Other Considerations
The good news is that if you live in a typical mid terrace home, your loft is most likely an excellent candidate for a loft conversion. Houses of this style that were built before the mid 1960’s have large lofts with steep pitches. If your build is more modern, then you will often come across truft rafters and shallow pitch roofs. These are more costly to convert, and often not worth the extra monies needed.
Once you have the go ahead from your neighbours, you will also need building regulation approval. Do not be put off by this. BBN can help you with all your legal paperwork. Building regulations are actually in place to ensure your build is safe and completed to the correct standards.
When you use the services of Bristol Builders Network, we can take care of this stage for you. Your application will be seen by your builders, building control officers, and your local council. There is a fee applied to your application, so make sure you are ready to go ahead before entering this stage of your mid terrace loft conversion.
Mid Terrace Loft Conversion : Planning Permission
Unless you are planning to raise the height of the roof of your home, or you live in a designated protected area or the National Park, you should not experience any difficulties here.
Adding room to your home with a loft conversion can add value to your property. If you live in a city, then you can actually add substantial value to your home. If you live in a rural area where there is a cap on property prices, you may add no value at all.
Mid Terrace Loft Conversion : Usage for your New Rooms
When planning your attic conversion in Bristol, you will have thought about what rooms you will have in your loft space. If you are creating a bedroom, then you will need to make sure you add extra insulation or soundproofing to your room. If your attic room will be an office, then ensure there is enough light. Dormer windows are a common option, and they provide a decent amount of natural light. Working in a dingy room will not be good for you.
A loft conversion will take away storage space that you had in your home before. If your loft currently houses dozens of boxes and cases, think about where you will store them. Your garage is one option, as is your basement. But, before you move everything down to the basement, remember that your cellar will not have a damp course. Cellars are cold and damp, and it is not recommended you store soft furnishings or clothes in such conditions.