SOMERSET LOFT CONVERSION
IDEAS FOR LOFT CONVERSION.
Whether you are converting your loft for Office or Bedroom we have some thoughts on space for you.
The attic has a certain romance and charm, it can become a quiet area to read, an out of the way bedroom for guests, or a corner of your home to get away from the bustle of family.
Converting the loft can add great space to the home, we have collected together thoughts, tips and idears to help you plan.
There is an easy way to judge whether it is feasible to convert it yourself. If you can stand in your loft directly under the apex or ridge and you have about 7ft 6in from ceiling joist to ridge, then it can be done.
Dormers are installed when you need to create more space in the loft, either for staircase access, more headroom or a double bedroom.
Velux windows can be installed when the roof is of sufficient height to provide a useful space without any need for external extension.
The majority of lofts can be converted and will provide you with often the most attractive and largest living space in the house.
Loft conversions do carry many regulations and permissions with them. They are each unique and much depends upon the condition and structural ability of your existing property.
You will need to gain building regulation approval for your conversion and employ the services of an architect. For each designed load you intend to place on an existing floor, a calculation will need to be made to prove that the floor is capable of withstanding it.
You will also have to comply with fire regulations at every point in the construction of your conversion.
Some properties may not require planning permission, provided the loft conversion is the first extension and does not exceed 40 cubic metres on a terraced property and 50 cubic metres on others. This condition only applies when properties are not located in a conservation area.
Things to consider
Loft conversions have become a very popular way of extending domestic properties. Experience, however, shows that this seemingly simple concept can cause major problems in complying with the Building Regulations.
Before embarking on any building work, including loft conversions, it is advisable to obtain professional advice from an Architect, Surveyor and/or Structural Engineer. North Tyneside Building Control have staff on hand to discuss the proposals prior to making a Building Regulation application.
Below is a brief guide to areas of construction which will require particular attention when planning the actual conversion works.
The roof
The construction of the existing roof will be a major factor in deciding what is achievable in changing the loft area into a ‘liveable space’.
These alterations will inevitably mean adapting the structure to form either dormer windows or roof lights. It will generally be necessary to provide an engineer’s design to show how the additional loadings on the roof or supporting structure will be maintained.
A further consideration is the placing of insulating materials within the roof slope and the precautions necessary to prevent damage from condensation in the void area.
The floors
The existing ceiling joists are unlikely to be able to support the additional loads from a new floor for domestic use.
The new floor elements must have adequate support and should be sized and spaced according to the spans involved.
This new element of construction within the dwelling will need to be afforded an adequate level of fire resistance to ensure its stability in case of fire.
NEXT
|
