Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are an increasingly popular means to adding space and value to your home. On average, a loft conversion costs around a third of the price of moving to a property with an extra room. However, it is often easier to complete a standard extension that to convert a loft.
Depending on your conversion and on your house itself, the cost of a conversion and the money made from it can vary considerably.
It is extremely important to ensure that your plans for a loft conversion comply with Building Regulations; otherwise the work will not get underway, or remain unfinished if you have already started. It is therefore a good idea to seek advice from an architect, surveyor or a structural engineer.
There are two basic types of loft conversion: Dormer and Velux. These are named after the type of window that is installed to fit the conversion style.
The Dormer conversion requires an actual extension onto the roof to create a more standard ‘room’ shape, while a Velux conversion is a conversion of the loft as it is.
In some UK county boroughs, side gables are not permitted by the local authority, so side dormers have to be built instead. Be aware however, that a Dormer gives a new and higher view from your property and potentially into your neighbour’s, so you will no doubt require planning permission.
Conversion Considerations:
Aside from the Building Regulations alone, it is necessary to consider the practicalities of your loft conversion and how you will make it a fully habitable space.
Roof – The construction of the roof itself tends to dictate what you can create for your loft conversion. It may be necessary to increase the height of the roof space, so you will consequently have to remove the entire roof and extend the rafters. It may also be the case that the structure will need altering in the case of Dormers, for example, or roof lights. To prevent any damage from condensation and to keep it warm (and cool), insulating materials will need installing in the roof slope.
Flooring – What is to be used as a domestic floor was originally just a ceiling, and as such has not been constructed to bear the weight or wear and tear of constant traffic. The existing ceiling joists should have added support and be sized/spaced correctly, as well as being supported for adequate fire resistance.
Walls – Like the flooring, the walls must be equally capable of coping with the new domestic demands, and must bear more loads on a proper foundation.
The walls must also be suitably fire resistant, and depending on the new room’s layout, the new doors will have to be fire resistant or have a self-closing installation. For walls next to a Dormer window, they must be weatherproofed and securely insulated. If the Dormer is close by another property additional fire protection must be installed. In any instance of loft conversion, it is advisable to get a structural appraisal.
Windows – Your new loft conversion will need to allow maximum light in to be successfully adapted into a daytime room. It can therefore be beneficial to have windows inserted into the loft walls, and spread over the roof. Loft conversions usually require the equivalent size of around 10% of the floors area as glazing. Windows positioned either side of the roof with several smaller ones accompanying with bring in more light and remove shadowed areas better than fewer and bigger windows.
Stairs - It is recommended that you fit solid doors and enclosed staircases for added security, and to contain noise, light, and regulate the temperature. The preferred design is a traditional straight set of stairs. Where space is insufficient, spiral staircases and fixed ladders may be appropriate. Guarding and handrails must be installed, and the sufficient headroom measurement of two metres should be maintained.
Fire Escape –In any new building or building addition, it is necessary that suitable provisions for protection or escape from fire should be made. From a loft conversion you should be able to escape down the staircase and easily find an exit. If the new room is not completely enclosed by a fire door, it should have a window or light wide enough to escape from, and near to a level from which you can rescued. There are extra precautions that must be taken against fire if the loft conversion floor space exceeds 50sq metres, or if the new second level has more than two rooms.
Some Suggestions:
• A loft conversion can also benefit from sound proofing installation, especially if the room is to be used by teenage children!
• If you are concerned about having too much light from all your new window installations you can have blackout blinds installed for the nighttime.
• If you would like the extra space but don’t want to live in the loft, move your bathroom. You could have a large luxury bathroom with a sunken bath.
• It may be advantageous to install underfloor heating to keep the new room consistently warm and save on wall space.