DIY Lofts / Structural Only Conversions
An Overview of our Structural Only Loft Conversion Service
This page aims to give an idea of the work we carry out when undertaking a structural only or ‘DIY’ loft conversion. Even on these projects where we’re not requested to finish the conversion, we always complete all structural work to the highest standards, and with post-structural modifications in mind, so as to ensure a smooth handover to other parties involved in the finishing of the conversion.
This guide is not definitive, in that all of our services are highly flexible, and we always strive to accommodate specific customer requirements when carrying out a structural only conversion. Furthermore, we’re always happy to share details of the products we use and other information that could help our structural only loft conversion customers complete their projects.
What’s Included in our Structural Only Loft Conversion Service
On a typical structural only loft conversion project, we’ll install the relevant structural works to enable the trusses to be removed. We’ll then remove the trusses and install the windows and a new custom designed bare staircase. On completion of this structural work, customers will be left with an open area which must be insulated and boarded to the sides and ceiling, and internal partitioning created to form at minimum an entrance lobby area / landing with fire door access. As with the structural work we carry out, all post-structural work carried out by customers or their contractors must achieve building regulations approval.
Specific Details of our Structural Only Loft Conversions
- Install required steelwork to enable removal of truss sections (determined in structural survey).
- Remove internal truss elements and prop to steelwork in (1).
- Install floor joists on hangers between steelwork from (1), trim for staircase entry point.
- Install tongue and groove floor, glue and screw joints.
- Install bare staircase.
- Install and externally finish dormer windows (where applicable).
- Install Velux windows, including flashing.
- Install tie beam to truss upper section.
- Install external roof vents.
The final building regulations certificate cannot be issued until the loft conversion is completed in its entirety, however we will organise an inspection upon completion of structural works.
In addition, where planning is required, we will provide this service as a separate cost item, and will submit plans for approval on behalf of customers. Prior to all conversions, we will confirm planning requirements and permitted development rights with the local authority.
What’s Excluded from Our Typical Structural Only Loft Conversion Service
Unless specifically detailed in your quotation, the following items are not included as part of our structural conversion service, and are the responsibility of the customer to carry out:
- Relocation of any water tanks/pipes. To be completed prior to or very early during structural installation.
- Installation of electrical services. Must be completed to comply with building regulations and a safety certificate issued (note Part P regulation requirements).
- Insulate side walls, upper walls and ceiling. Must satisfy regulations.
- Over-board walls, upper walls and ceiling.
- Partitioning of internal walls, including allowing for a fire door at the top of the stairs / landing area, to ensure building regulation approval.
- Install automatic door closers to all existing first and ground floor doors directly accessing the escape areas (excluding WC's and bathrooms).
- Glazed doors / areas to the fire escape landing areas must be replaced with fire retardant glass or blanking material to satisfy fire regulations.
- All internal walls must be 5mm skim coated to complete.
All work completed by us will be to building regulations, and this must be taken into account by customers completing the finish to a structural only conversion. Specific attention should be given to ensuring minimum head height is maintained when finishing above staircases.
Electrical Work
Customers completing structural only conversions should make themselves aware of the building regulations covering domestic electrical installations (Part P). This amendment requires that all electrical work should be carried out by a registered electrician and requires that a certificate be issued to satisfy building regulations. Failure to comply to this will prevent building regulations approval.
Unvented Cylinders (Pressurised Water Systems)
The installation of unvented hot water systems should only ever be carried out by a registered plumber and then certified in accordance with building control requirements. Failure to install these systems correctly is not only potentially very dangerous, but it will also result in a building certificate not being issued.
Domestic Central Heating, Hot Water and Gas appliances
All work affecting the central heating and/or hot water system or involving alteration to the gas supply, including boiler relocation or replacement, must be completed in accordance with CORGI and building regulation requirements. As with unvented cylinders, failure to comply with this will result in a building certificate not being issued.
Part L of the building regulations now stipulates that any alteration of the central heating / hot water system will require the entire system to be checked and certified to comply with the building regulations.
Alteration to Payment Schedule
For structural only conversions, our interim 1 and interim 2 payments will be requested together on structural completion, leaving 10% retention. We will seek building regulation approval for the structural elements of the conversion immediately, but will allow a 10% retention against the issue of full building regulation approval for a maximum period of 12 weeks from our start date. After this 12 week period, the final 10% will become due.
Final Finish and Settling
All final and remedial finishing and plastering must be completed by the customer when undertaking structural only conversions. Settling cracks and marks to ceilings are considered normal and dependent upon the original home construction. Any remedial finishing to these is to be completed by the customer. Damage deemed to be avoidable and specifically caused by Truss Loft negligence will be corrected or a relevant allowance made to the final invoice to cover additional costs to the customer in correcting.
Truss Loft – Flexible Loft Conversion Services
Our structural only loft conversion service is highly flexible and can be tailored to meet each individual project. To discuss your specific needs,
call us for FREE on 0800 195 3855, or email us at
sales@trussloft.co.uk and we’ll call you back.