HOW TO: LOFT CONVERSION: Where do you start?

Looking to create more space in your home?

Are you considering utilising the wasted space in your loft?

An easy way to check this is to look at similar houses in your area and look for the signs of loft conversions.  If there is, then it is likely that or house could support a loft conversion.  This is no guarantee but it may provide a positive start to your project.  Ask neighbours etc for information and help on this.

The addition of a converted loft is a great solution if you need extra space and the addition of a habitable room can add value to your home.

The first step is to obtain some  expert advice from an architect to see what is possible and obtain an estimated timeline and cost to covert your loft.

DO I NEED PLANNING FOR A LOFT CONVERSION?

Firstly, an architect will be able to advise you on whether or not you require planning permission, i.e. to check if your loft conversion will be allowed under ‘permitted development rights.’  

Note: Permitted Development means you may not require planning permission and the ‘Permitted Development Right’ can be formally approved by your Local Authority, which we would recommend you do. 

See your recent article on Permitted Development, for further advice.

Permitted Development factors are:

• A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for a terraced house.

• A volume of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses.

• Note: Any previous roof space additions must be included with this volume allowance.

• No extension beyond the plane of the existing rook slope of the principal elevation that fronts a highway.

• No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof (chimneys etc should not be taken into account as the highest part of the existing roof).

• Materials to be similar in appearance to the exiting house.

• No additional roof space created, e.g. no verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

• Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the finished floor level.

• Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back as far as practicable at least 20cm from the original eaves. 

Note:

Loft conversions are NOT permitted development for houses on designated land; Dwellings within Conversation areas, National Parks and areas of natural beauty, roof extensions are not permitted development and will require planning permission.

BATS

Work to your loft may affect bats and bats are a protected species so it may be necessary for a bat survey to be carried out as converting a loft may affect bats roofing. If bats are using the loft then a license will be required and an expert to advise on how they may be moved.  Please check with your Local Authority if this will be required.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Building Regulations approval will be required even if your loft conversion does not require planning permissions, i.e. it qualifies as permitted development.

The Building Regulations cover the following items:

The structural strength of the new floor is sufficient.

The stability of the structure (including the existing roof) is not endangered.

Safe escape from fire.

safely designed stairs to the new converted loft floor.

The converted loft is thermal insulated to the correct level.

Reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

STRUCTURE

The existing floor to the loft will need to be assessed as the whether it is safe to use as a functional floor.  Most loft space ‘floors' are made of ceiling joists that are not capable of taking the loadings that a habitable floor requires.   The easiest way to improve the stability of the floor is to install floor joists between the existing ceiling joists.

The roof will usually require additional supports.  If your loft space has trusses then purlin beams will need to be installed and the trusses removed.  To enable windows to be installed, i.e. rooflights or dormers, it may be necessary to remove some of the rafters. An architect and /or a structural engineer will be able to advise you on the structural requirements of converting your loft.

FIRE SAFETY

The main aspect that needs to be addressed in converting your loft is the provisions for fire escape.  If you are converting a bungalow roof space then you may be ok as the escape route can be fairly simple.  When converting a two-storey house loft you are creating a 3 storey house and the escape will need to be protected.  It may also be necessary for install additional fire protection to the existing parts of the house, i.e. this may involve installing fire-resisting doors and partitions to protect the stairway as it may be too dangerous to escape via the windows from the floors above the first floor.  Smoke alarms connected to the main electricity will need to be installed

Also, to ensure adequate fire safety, a new staircase will be needed.  It is advisable to install  proper staircase but in some situations  space saving stairs can be used but nor retractable stairs or ladders.

Before undertaking any work to your loft it is important to seek professional advice as there may be lots of factors that will need to be addressed to ensure that you create a safe usable space.

HOW MUCH DOES A LOFT CONVERSION COST?

The cost of a loft conversion is usually @20,000 to £45,000 but costs can vary considerably as it will depend on your house type and what exactly you require in the loft space.

HOW LONG DOES A LOFT CONVERSION TAKE?

A loft conversion typically takes approximately 28 weeks to complete.

An outline of the time is usually:

• Design Development: 2-4 weeks.

• Planning Permission (if required) 6-12 weeks.

• Detailed Design: 4 weeks. (thins involves detailed drawings, structural drawings and calculations and Building Control Approval).

• Appoint a Builder: 2-4 weeks.

• Loft Construction: 8-12 weeks.

SUMMARY

Seek local knowledge on what has been achieved in similar houses to yours.

Remember:No two loft conversions are the same.  Properties differ (even ones that look like your house) and your requirements for the loft conversion  can affect the time to complete and the cost, compared to similar houses.

Seek the advice of a professional on what is possible etc.  An Architect is a great start and will get you the best possible loft conversion, they will also protect your finances and ensure that a building contract is in place with your builder and the construction is completed on time and budget.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from the information provided.

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