Loft conversion specialists can help you create the room of your dreams. But why should you use a specialist contractor?
Loft conversions have grown in popularity in the past 18 months, as more and more people have chosen to expand their current home rather than move to a bigger property. And as the cost of borrowing continues to rise and house prices fall further, numbers of people carrying out loft conversions are set to continue going through the roof.
But carrying out a loft conversion isn’t simply a case of laying floorboards, plasterboarding the walls, and then laying carpets and adding a final lick of paint. On the contrary, any loft conversion needs to adhere to a raft of strict building regulations, and in some cases, Local Authority planning rules too.
Loft conversion specialists are well-versed in the rules governing loft conversions. By commissioning a specialist to carry out the work for you, not only will you get a high quality end product, but you’ll also get peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that your loft conversion meets or even exceeds the standards set out by law.
Loft conversions - planning permission
Since a change in legislation in late 2008, planning permission rules governing loft conversions have been relaxed. However, some loft conversions will still require planning permission, and a good loft conversion specialist will be able to help you with your application to your Local Authority planning department.
Planning rules concerning loft conversions vary depending on the type and also sometimes the location of the property. Furthermore, loft conversions that affect the external look and shape of the roof may also require planning permission, and again, good loft conversion specialists will be able to help you with this at the design stage.
The Government’s guide to loft conversions that don’t require planning permission:
- A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses
- A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses.
- No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
- No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
- Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
- No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
- Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
- Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas*.
- Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the eaves.
*Designated areas include national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
(Information taken from the Government’s Planning Portal website)
Loft conversion specialists – building regulations
Even though many loft conversions don’t require Local Authority planning approval, all loft conversions are subject to stringent Building Regulations which set defined standards for build quality and safety. The Building Regulations – also known as ‘regs’ in the trade – are broken down into 5 main areas, which are summarised briefly here:
- Structual – Any loft conversion will add a considerable extra load to the structure of the house, meaning load bearing walls may need to be strengthened and new beams introduced to the design to increase strength. Other changes affecting the structure and roof may also need to be considered, depending on the specific nature of the design.
- Access and escape – staircases leading to loft conversions are governed by a very detailed set of rules that vary depending on the layout and design of the property. Summarising the rules is practically impossible due to the range of possible permutations depending on the design of the house, but a loft conversion specialist will have the knowledge and expertise to ensure your proposed design conforms to the standards.
- Fire resistance – to comply with fire safety regulations, all flooring and some walls in your loft conversion will need to be designed to resist fire for a given period of time. Staircases and doors also need to satisfy fire regulations, and that includes access doors and other doors leading to rooms within the loft conversion, such as en-suite bathrooms and closets. The loft design also needs to accommodate approved mains-powered smoke detector systems. A good loft conversion company will ensure electrical and other specialist trades will carry out the work to the required fire regulations standard.
- Energy conservation and weatherproofing – the walls and roof surrounding the loft conversion must be sufficiently protected from the elements, as well as provide insulation to meet defined standards. Complying with or even exceeding the standards set by this regulation will not only protect your loft conversion from the long-term effects of weather, but will also help you save money by way of reduced energy bills.
- Ventilation – building regulations concerning ventilation are designed to primarily to promote a clean and healthy living environment. The rules provide for a sufficient flow of clean air into the area, as well as a means for stale or moist air to escape.
The above summary is intended to give anyone who’s considering embarking on a loft conversion an idea of the regulations and standards that govern such work. A loft conversion specialist with experience of working on a wide range of projects will be able to provide an end-to-end service, starting with the initial survey, through the planning permission process (if applicable), and ending with the completion of the loft conversion work itself in compliance with building regulations.
Truss Loft – the national loft conversion specialist with the local service
At Truss Loft we specialise in converting lofts from empty, cold, and energy-sapping voids, into high quality, value-enhancing living spaces. Whether you need to convert your loft into a new bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, office - or any type of room at all – we can help. Our work is carried out to the highest standards, and our in-house team of qualified tradesmen and women and building professionals ensure all projects meet building and planning regulations. To take the next step towards creating the loft of your dreams, call us for FREE today on 0800 195 3855.