Loft Conversion

LOFT CONVERSION

Lccl Construction loft conversion specialists covering London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Surrey

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PREPARED BY LCCL CONSTRUCTION COPYRIGHT 2020 WEB: WWW.ADCONSTRUCTIONLONDON.CO.UK TEL: 020 8037 7332 1 A loft conversion or an attic conversion is the process of transforming an empty attic space or loft into a functional room, typically used as a LOFT CONVERSION GUIDE bedroom, office space, a gym, or storage space. Loft conversions are one of the most popular 2020 RELEASE forms of home improvement in the United Kingdom as a result of their numerous perceived benefits. The installation of a loft LCCL CONSTRUCTION KEY conversion is a complicated process, and whilst it may be possible to attempt a 'DIY' loft FACTS conversion, the large amount of work involved often results in many people choosing to contract a specialist loft conversion company to undertake the task.

Feasibility Types Regulations Can all Loft be Converted? Get in Touch

A loft conversion is among the most popular home improvement projects in the UK for easing space pressure on the rest of the home. It’s a great solution for properties in urban areas or where a two- storey extension doesn’t make financial sense. Loft conversion costs start at around £18,000 for a single ‘room-in- the-roof’ conversion, up to around £60,000+ for a large mansard loft conversion depending on where the location is. Nationwide has estimated that an additional bedroom and bathroom could add around 20% to the value of a three-bed, one bathroom house (but do be aware of area price ceilings). This could equate to £46,000 based on an average house price of £230,292 (average house price in June 2019, Office of National Statistics).

PREPARED BY LCCL CONSTRUCTION COPYRIGHT 2020 WEB: WWW.ADCONSTRUCTIONLONDON.CO.UK TEL: 020 8037 7332 4 Dormer Loft Conversion Hip to Gable Loft Conversion TYPES OF LOFT CONVERSIONS Mansard Loft Conversion L Shaped Loft Conversion

PREPARED BY LCCL CONSTRUCTION COPYRIGHT 2020 WEB: WWW.ADCONSTRUCTIONLONDON.CO.UK TEL: 020 8037 7332 5 REGULATIONS DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A LOFT CONVERSION? LOFT CONVERSION BUILDING REGULATIONS

As follows we talk about the planning permission and building regulation approvals.

Not always. In most cases, loft conversions tend to be considered Permitted Development (PD), but your design will need to adhere to a number of specified parameters. You can find out guidance here https://www.adconstructionlondon.co.uk/loft-conversion- planning-permission If you plan on extending beyond the limits and conditions of PD, or your property is listed or located in a conversation area, then you will need to apply for planning permission. You will also need planning permission if you are altering the roof height or shape (which may be the case if you have to raise it for headroom). Rooflights and dormers can be installed under PD, but they must not sit forward of the roof plane on the principal elevation, nor must they be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.

PREPARED BY LCCL CONSTRUCTION COPYRIGHT 2020 WEB: WWW.ADCONSTRUCTIONLONDON.CO.UK TEL: 020 8037 7332 7 When converting a loft, you will need Building Regulations approval. A building control surveyor will inspect your conversion at various stages and will be LOFT CONVERSION BUILDING responsible for issuing a completion certificate upon final inspection. If your home is semi-detached or terraced, then you will REGULATIONS need to notify your neighbours of your planned work if it falls under the requirements of the Party Wall Act. When it comes to a loft conversion, you are most likely to be concerned with Parts L, K, B and P of the Building Regulations. Part L of the Building Regulations requires U-value targets for thermal efficiency to be met when you convert your loft into habitable space. Part K concerns preventative measures from falling, collisions and impact, and requires a minimum headroom of 2m for all escape routes, including the stairs (although the rules are relaxed a little for staircases providing access to a loft conversion). Parts B and P are concerned with fire and electrical safety respectively. Complying with Building Regs’ requirements on fire safety can be complex. In two or more storey homes, where an escape window would be more than 4.5m from the ground level, a ‘protected’ staircase needs to lead down to an exterior door — which can cause some issues if your staircase rises from a room, rather than the hallway on the ground floor, or your ground floor is open plan. There are typically solutions in both instances, but this area needs consideration with your design and/or build team.

Assessing your loft space’s suitability for conversion involves considering numerous factors, including: - Available head height - Roof pitch - Roof structure - Obstacles such as water tanks or chimney stacks

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When you measure from the bottom of the ridge timber to the top of the ceiling joist, you need to have at least 2.2m of usable space for a conversion to be suitable. While the Building Regs impose no minimum ceiling height for habitable rooms, you will need to factor in the 2m headroom required for stairs (although you could relax this to 1.8m on the edge of the stair if needs be). If the initial roof space inspection reveals a head height of less than 2.2m, there are two available Solution 1: Raise the Roof, This is structurally feasible, but the major problems are the high cost and getting planning permission approval. If the whole roof area needs removing, a covered scaffold structure, to protect the house from the weather during the works, would also be required. Solution 2: Lower the Ceiling in the Room Below, This will require all the existing ceilings in question to be removed, causing much mess. With this method a plate will need to be bolted to the wall using shield anchors or rawlbolts, for the new floor joists to hang from. There is also a need for a suitable tie between the roof structure and the dwarf wall formed, to prevent the roof spreading. You will also have to assess whether the space you are gaining in the loft makes up for the space you are losing in the rooms below.

PREPARED BY LCCL CONSTRUCTION COPYRIGHT 2020 WEB: WWW.ADCONSTRUCTIONLONDON.CO.UK TEL: 020 8037 7332 10 London Office Location: LOOKING TO 3rd Floor, Hathway House, Popes Dr, Finchley, London N3 1QF GET Email contact: [email protected] STARTED? Telephone contact: TO START GET IN 020 8037 7332 Website: TOUCH OR BOOK www.adconstructionlondon.co.uk CONSULTATION Office Hours: CALL ONLINE Monday to Saturday 8AM - 6PM Sunday - Closed