Converting your roof space - a guide for home owners
There is more to a loft conversation than just laying a few floor boards and erecting some partitions. The design of a loft conversion can be technically demanding as well as involving some heavy construction work.
Converting a loft in accordance with the building regulations is probably beyond the skill of all but the most skilled do-it-yourself enthusiast.
Frequently asked questions about converting your loft
Q. Is the roof space capable of being converted ?
A. The feasibility of converting your loft will be generally dependant on the type of construction and the general internal layout of your property. In certain homes, meeting the structural and fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations may prove to be impractical or very expensive. This is particularly so in houses which have trussed rafter roofs* or where the existing stairway rises directly from another ground floor room. In these instances it is advisable to seek professional advice at an early stage.
In addition you may need to consider whether enough additional space will be created, once the area required for the new staircase has been taken into account.
* Trussed rafter roofs are commonplace in modern houses and can be identified by the interruption of a large clear open space in the roof area by timber strutting. This should be visible through the loft hatch.
Q. Will I need any approvals to convert my loft?
A. If you only intend to use the roof space to store light items such as suitcases and Christmas decorations then providing loose boarding over the ceiling joists and access via a loft ladder is generally satisfactory and you will not require any approvals. However it should be borne in mind that ceiling joists are not designed to support heavy loads.
For any use other than light storage you will require approval under the Building Regulations and in some instances you may also require Planning Permission, if in doubt please contact us.
Work should not start before the necessary applications have been made and your area Building Standard Surveyor has been informed.
Q. What are Building Regulations?
A. Building Regulations are national requirements formulated by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), to safeguard the Health and Safety and welfare of persons in and around buildings and to help Conserve Energy. Please remember that it is in the interest of you and your family to comply with the regulations.
Q. How do I make a Building Regulations application?
A. You will normally need to submit suitably detailed plans of the proposed work (Full Plans Application) to Building Standards with the appropriate fee. The plans will be examined and the final design details agreed and approved.
Prior to commencement of work the area Building Standard Surveyor should be contacted. As the work progresses the Surveyor will visit periodically and of course he will be on hand to give advice throughout the project.
Q. What work will be required to satisfy the Building Regulations?
A. Here is a brief summary of some typical technical requirements that may have to be satisfied.
1. The construction of a new stronger floor where existing ceiling joists have insufficient strength.
2. The provision of suitably located windows capable of being used for escape in the event of fire.
3. The alteration or repositioning of the structural roof members to provide roof windows.
4 The existing stairway, doors and ceilings enclosed and/or upgraded to provide an adequate degree of fire protection.
5. The provision of a new 'permanent stairway' with adequate headroom and enclosed for fire protection. Retractable loft ladders are not acceptable under the Building Regulations.
6. Adequate ventilation must be provided to any new habitable rooms, kitchen or bathrooms.
7. Provisions to ensure that excessive condensation does not occur within the roof void areas.
8. The provision of adequate insulation, to conserve heat, within the new room.
You can find further information about Building Regulation requirements in the pdf attached to this page.
Advice to ensure that your building work runs smoothly
Before you start decide exactly what you want done. For larger jobs consider getting advice from an architect or surveyor.
- Council approval: Ask your Local Authority whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval.
- Shop around: Do not be rushed. Get written quotations or estimates from at least three builders.
- The builder: Find out as much as you can about the builder you propose to use. What experience has he in projects of a serious nature. Try to obtain recommendations from any previous jobs he has carried out. Do not be afraid to obtain a second opinion.
- Your contract: Make sure your contract is in writing and gives full details of prices, cancellation rights, guarantees, commencement and completion dates. Check whether any subcontractors are to be used and who will be liable if things go wrong. Ensure that all builders and professionals undertaking any work have adequate insurance cover.
For more information on choosing a builder you can trust see our section on Cowboy Builders.