Neighbors house is at 1.5 meters drop

Hi Kalpit, Ideally you should not build on the party wall, so depending on where the wall is position you shouldn’t need it. But the structural engineer can be able to produce structural calculations for walls/foundations better once the detailed architectural drawings for building regulations have been produced, assuming planning permission has been granted. If not, planning will need to be sought for, as there is a possibility of overshadowing your neighbour and for the side extension assuming it will be visible on the front elevation. Happy to come and do a feasibility study. Get in touch if you need us to further advise. Many Thanks

You have said that you are considering a side / rear extension project, and that the neighbouring property is some 1.5m lower. You have also advised that previous advice has said that steel beams may be required to support the new side wall. Without knowing the full details of the project, it is hard to advise, however, please be aware of the following: (1) if you are building close to, or along the site boundary then you may need to consider the requirements of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996, and you might need to serve notice on the adjoining owner BEFORE excavation or construction works commence. (2) steel beams or RSJs are usually required to support Upper sections load bearing walls, where part or all of that wall is removed, and in this instance you may need steelwork to support the upper part of a load bearing wall if for example, you are knocking through to form an opening from the existing house into the extension. Another scenario where you might require steelwork is if ground conditions are poor and pile foundations & ground beam are required Instead of the usual strip foundations. Either way, a competent and experienced structural engineer would be able to advise. (3) without knowing the full project details, it is difficult to say whether the scheme falls within permitted development, or whether a householder planning application is required, however, bear in mind that for works to be classed as permitted development, if the extension is within 2m of the boundary then the eaves height will be limited to 2m, and the highest part of the roof limited to 3m. (4) your design should also take into account the position of the existing house on the plot, and the inter-relationship with the neighbouring property, to ensure that the neighbours amenity (right to light / daylight, & privacy) is not adversely affected by the development proposals. Hope this helps. Regards. Mike.

I think generally you will not need a beam but it will depend on the layout of your house with respect to the neighbour's house. Happy yo pay visit if you need further assistance. Regards, Vikas Pai

To answer this question I would need to see drawings. It is not very clear what metal beam the question is about.