Is my loft suitable for conversion?
To be suitable for conversion, your loft should first have a minimum head height of 2.3m at the highest point. There needs to be at least 2.3m in headroom because there needs to be space for insulation and the construction of the internal ceilings. When insulation and internal ceilings are in place there is normally a practical ceiling height of 1.9m. Without this head room, your loft wouldn’t be a comfortable or habitable space.
Next you need to ensure there is adequate floor space inside your attic or loft. Regulations vary from county to county, but most attic conversion building codes require a minimum of 70 sq. ft. of floor space. Loft conversions also require a roof pitch of at least 30 degrees.
Ideally, a roof should have a pitch of 30 degrees to accommodate an effective loft conversion. The lower the pitch is, the lower the head height will be in the centre of the room. Inside your new loft conversion, the angle of the roof will impact the amount of usable floor space.
Do I need planning permission?
The majority of loft conversions qualify as permitted development, exempting them from the requirement for planning permission. This applies to basic conversions incorporating roof windows. Nevertheless, if your plans entail extending or modifying the roof space beyond its existing boundaries, planning permission is necessary.
Loft conversions generally fall under permitted development, allowing them to be carried out without planning permission. However, specific conditions outlined in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015, Schedule 2, Part 1, Class B must be adhered to. To ensure compliance and avoid potential planning issues, it is advisable to consult with the team here at Loft Living prior to commencing any loft conversion project.
Do I have the budget for a loft conversion?
The cost of a loft conversion in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including where you live, the type of conversion, and any technical restrictions. The cost of a loft conversion can also change depending on the size of the roof alterations, access to the loft, finishes and furniture.
Loft conversions in period buildings often require more investment due to their unique design and construction. When discussing building works, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Much of this variation is due to the nature of property size and location. Areas that are more densely built lead to higher costs because its harder to manoeuvre building materials and construction equipment.
What building regulations do I need to comply with?
Regardless of whether or not you need planning permission, your loft conversion must meet building regulations. These regulations ensure that any work done is structurally sound, the new room is fire-safe, and sound is reasonably insulated between the loft and the rooms below.
For fire safety, fire-resistant doors will be needed to make the new room fire-safe, and mains-powered smoke alarms will also be required. Regarding floor and beams, new floor joists may be needed to support the weight of the new room. Sound insulation is important to ensure that noise between rooms is sufficiently minimized. New stairs will be needed to provide an escape in the event of a fire, as retractable staircases or ladders are not enough.
Any new walls will need to support any existing or new roofs where existing supports have been removed. Windows must be big enough to provide an escape route in case of fire. If you are adding a new bathroom, there are regulations regarding the plumbing and electrics. Finally, there are regulations relating to thermal insulation.
Will I need new foundations?
Most loft conversions don’t require new foundations. However, you’ll need to check that existing foundations can support the additional weight. In some cases, structural reinforcement may be necessary.
Get in Touch!
If you’re looking for a loft conversion in South West, or the nearby areas of Bath, Bristol, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Keynsham, Trowbridge and Somerset. If you don’t live in any of the areas mentioned, get in contact with us or call 01225 432 317 and we’ll see what we can do! If you want to view examples of our previous work, then check out our gallery here. Our expert team at Loft Living look forward to hearing from you