Replacing an old conservatory with a permanent extension is a popular home improvement.
Although a conservatory may already occupy the space, constructing a new extension is often a very different project structurally.
That can introduce Party Wall requirements that did not exist when the conservatory was built.
Why can the replacement extension be different?
Traditional conservatories are often lightweight structures.
A permanent extension may require:
- deeper foundations;
- masonry walls;
- structural steelwork;
- a heavier roof;
- new drainage; and
- construction closer to the boundary.
Party Wall requirements should therefore be assessed against the new works, not simply the structure being removed.
New foundations
The replacement extension may have significantly deeper foundations than the existing conservatory.
Where those foundations are close to a neighbouring building and extend below its foundations, Section 6 of the Party Wall Act may apply.
Our Section 6 Party Wall Notice guide explains the excavation rules in more detail.
Walls at the boundary
The new extension may also be positioned differently from the conservatory.
If a new wall is proposed at the line of junction, Section 1 should be considered.
You can read more in our Beginner’s Guide to Section 1 Party Wall Notices.
What if the neighbour also has an extension?
The neighbour’s existing extension may affect foundation design, access, roofing details and construction sequencing.
Your architect and structural engineer should take the adjoining structure into account.
Do not rely on the conservatory’s historic position
The fact that a conservatory has stood in a particular location for years does not automatically give you Party Wall rights to replace it with a substantially different building.
The proposed scheme should be considered afresh.
Simple Survey can review the plans
If you are replacing a conservatory with a permanent extension, Simple Survey can review the architectural and structural drawings before construction starts.
Visit our Party Wall Surveyor page for straightforward advice.