Garage conversions are often viewed as relatively simple projects because much of the existing structure is already in place.
Many conversions will not involve any Party Wall procedures.
However, some projects include structural work, new excavation or alterations to walls shared with neighbouring properties.
Is a normal garage conversion a Party Wall matter?
Not necessarily.
Installing insulation, new finishes, windows and internal fittings within a garage will not automatically trigger the Party Wall Act.
The important question is whether the project affects a party structure or includes qualifying excavation or boundary works.
Shared garage walls
Attached garages can share walls with neighbouring buildings.
If structural work is proposed to a shared wall, the Party Wall position should be checked.
Examples could include:
- cutting in structural beams;
- removing parts of a shared wall;
- increasing its height;
- forming structural openings; or
- carrying out other substantial alterations.
Our Section 2 Party Wall guide explains these rights and procedures in greater detail.
New foundations
Some garage conversions are combined with extensions.
If new foundations are excavated close to a neighbouring building, a Section 6 notice may potentially be required.
Our Party Wall drawings guide explains the information normally needed for excavation notices.
Raising the roof
A garage conversion sometimes includes increasing the roof height.
Where this affects a party wall or wall at the boundary, further Party Wall considerations may arise.
Leasehold garages
Where the property is leasehold, alterations may separately require consent from the landlord.
Party Wall procedures do not replace lease obligations.
Simple Survey can check the plans
Send us your garage-conversion drawings through our Party Wall Surveyor page and we can advise before work begins.