All You Need to Know About Renovating a Flat in a Mansion Block

You’d know the red brickwork of London mansion blocks anywhere. Signature to the city, flats in these beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings are becoming more and more popular with renovators. And it’s no wonder: often spacious and high-ceilinged, with pretty period features, their foundations can offer a dream blank slate.

Renovating an apartment in a mansion block comes with its own unique challenges and requirements, however. From specific access requirements to shared utilities, there are some niche things to factor in before you get started. Here we’ve collated insights from our previous projects, so you’re equipped with all the information you need.

Check If You Need a Licence to Alter

A Licence to Alter is permission from the landlord or freeholder that allows you to make changes to your property – if you’re the owner of a leasehold property, it’s likely you’ll need this to carry out works. Every lease is different, so always check with a fine-tooth comb for clauses around alterations.

Works that usually need a Licence to Alter include:

• Structural changes
• Installing or moving plumbing or heating
• Rewiring or significant plumbing
• Removing walls (whether solid or partition)
• Changing windows or installing scaffolding

To get a Licence to Alter, first, reach out to your landlord explaining what you want to do. Depending on the scale of your project, you should include:

• A description and timeline of the works
• Drawings of current and proposed layouts
• Structural drawings, risk assessments, and method statements
• Proof of insurance and any necessary planning or building regulation approvals

If you get your freeholder’s written approval, this is your Licence to Alter. Then you both need to engage solicitors to draw up a legally binding contract, detailing your plans, obligations, and insurance.

There is a chance you might not get consent for your renovation, so it’s always best to check before you make any plans. Not following the Licence to Alter process can cause issues later, such as complications when selling your property or putting you in breach of your lease.

Consider Parking and Logistics

Parking in London is often tricky. Some mansion blocks are on busy roads with parking restrictions, while others have allocated spaces for residents. If you can get a visitor’s parking permit, that will make your contractor’s life a lot easier!

Working with underground car parks? Make sure to think about the height restrictions in relation to delivery trucks and large vehicles. If parking is further away, consider the journey for big or heavy deliveries and tools, too – would one person be able to manage it or would they need some help? Hiring a folding trolley (or checking if your contractor has one) could be a good idea.

Access to Your Flat

Each mansion block is different in terms of access. A big plus for mansion blocks is that many of them have lifts, but make sure to measure the space in advance to check your fixtures will fit – the same goes for doorways and stairwells. Hiring a crane is also a viable option if you’re working with small spaces or at the top of the building without a lift.

Your Neighbours

Making sure you’re considerate to your neighbours is key, especially during a renovation that could cause disruption over a number of weeks or months. The best approach is to communicate clearly: let them know in advance about any potentially noisy work and how long it will take. If you’ve not moved in yet or don’t know them well, we recommend sending a friendly letter before the project begins to show consideration.

Shared Utilities

If your renovation involves altering shared utilities like water, gas, or electricity, you’ll need to coordinate with your landlord or freeholder. For example, older buildings might have communal heating systems that need to be drained before work can begin, or changes to the electricity mains will require coordination with the supplier.

Party Wall Agreements

If your renovation affects a party wall (a shared wall between you and your neighbour), you’ll likely need a Party Wall Agreement. This protects both you and your neighbour from any disputes. For mansion blocks, this can also include shared floors or partitions. You must give your neighbours notice before any work begins, and the agreement will outline how the works should proceed. If you’re lucky, both parties can agree on one surveyor to save on fees.

Communal Areas

Mansion blocks have shared spaces, like hallways and lifts, that need to be protected during the renovation. If any damage occurs, the landlord might charge for repairs, so it’s good to have evidence of its condition to refer back to. A Dilapidations Survey (a detailed report carried out by a surveyor) that assesses these areas before the works begin can be invaluable.

Working Hours and Rubbish Removal

Every mansion block has its own rules about working hours, and most will restrict noisy work to certain times. It’s important to plan your schedule around these hours, especially if they are limited (e.g., noisy works are only allowed from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM). Similarly, plan for rubbish removal to fit within these windows to avoid any issues.

Scaffolding

If your project requires scaffolding, particularly for external work, you’ll need permission from the freeholder. If scaffolding will be on the pavement or road, a licence from the local council is also required. It’s your contractor’s job to secure this, but it’s ultimately your responsibility, so check to see if they’ve sorted it out before your project starts.

Sanitary Ware

Before installing sanitary ware (like baths, sinks, toilets, and showers), it’s worth testing the mains water pressure at peak times (like the mornings and evenings). Some modern fixtures, like certain shower heads, require high water pressure, which might drop when many residents are washing up or having a shower at the same time. Checking your pressure allows you to pick the right fixture for your property, hopefully ensuring no disappointing surprises.

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