Home lifts are becoming increasingly common in larger houses and high-end refurbishments.
They may be installed for accessibility, future-proofing or simply convenience.
Although the lift itself is not a Party Wall matter, creating the lift shaft can involve substantial structural alteration.
What does a lift installation involve?
Depending on the system, works might include:
- forming openings through floors;
- removing structural walls;
- strengthening floor edges;
- constructing a new lift shaft;
- creating a lift pit;
- installing structural steelwork; or
- altering roof structures.
Each of these should be considered separately.
Floors between flats can be party structures
In leasehold buildings, the floors separating different properties can constitute party structures.
Cutting a new lift opening through such a floor could therefore require Party Wall consideration.
Our Section 20 Party Wall definitions guide explains how horizontal structures can fall within the Act.
Lift pits and excavation
Some lifts require a pit beneath the lowest floor.
A shallow recess may have little Party Wall significance, while deeper excavation close to neighbouring structures may potentially bring Section 6 into consideration.
Structural beams
If new beams supporting the lift opening are inserted into a party wall, Section 2 may also apply.
Flats may require several approvals
A leaseholder considering a lift may separately need:
- landlord consent;
- Building Regulations approval;
- planning or listed-building consent where relevant; and
- specialist fire advice.
Party Wall procedures do not replace these requirements.
Simple Survey can help
Domestic lift projects can appear entirely internal while still affecting shared structures.
Send Simple Survey your architectural and structural drawings and we can determine whether Party Wall Notices are required before structural works begin.