Want to know more about loft conversions?

Amazing Space will be happy to help you with every stage of a loft conversion but to help you understand just what is involved we have compiled some useful information you may want to know when converting your loft.

Introduction To Loft Conversions

There are three main types of loft conversions, these are

Dormer	Dormer loft conversions create extra space in your loft. Front dormers are generally smaller than rear dormers to maintain the aesthetics of a building. Rear dormers can run the width of the roof and create the most space. Planning permission is not always required for dormers.
Roof Light / Velux	Roof light / Velux conversions work with the space already in your loft. It is unusual for these conversions to require planning permission.
Hip To Gable	Hip to gable conversions replace the hip of the roof (the slopped edge) with a gable end. Hip to gable conversions require more work but can create a lot more space

roof trusses

Houses use a truss frame to support the roof. The roof trusses often take up a lot of space in the loft and may lead you to think that you can not use the space. However it is possible to convert a truss roof by replacing the existing trusses with steal trusses that do not protrude into the loft space.

Considerations

When converting a loft the following things need to be taken into consideration

Roof - Typically changes to the roof to support either dormer or roof lights will require an engineers design to show how the existing roof structure will support the modifications.
Floors - In general existing ceiling joist will not support an additional floor above, this may mean that additional support will be required to ensure the new space has a solid floor and wont adversely effect the rest of the structure.
Walls - Any new floor must be fully supported by load bearing walls. Under the party wall act of 1996 it is necessary to give notice to adjoining properties for some types of work on shared walls.
Stairs - The new floor must have adequate access for fire and health and safety considerations. Straight flights of stairs are the preferred type if there is enough space. Spiral staircases, Ladders and alternating tread stairs can be used when space is an issue. Steps should have a tread area of at least 22cm and rise no more that 22cm with a pitch of no more than 42 degrees. Stair width is more flexible with no major restrictions however remember that you may want to get bulk furniture up and down the stairs. Stairs should have at least 2 meters of head room.

Planning Permission and loft conversions

Local authority planning permission may be required depending on the type of work undertaken. Planning offices vary from area to area so there is no written rule of what they will and will not find expectable. Superficially you can look to see if any similar buildings in your area have had similar work as an indication to the likelihood of receiving permission. See this flow chart for information on how planning permission is obtained. Further information provided by the government on planning can be found at their planning portal web site where online applications can now be made

Building Regulations

The building regulations that a loft conversion must satisfy is a large and complex subject. here is just a brief explanation of the major regulations

The Party Wall Act 1996 protects adjacent or neighbouring buildings. If any work needs to be done on walls that fall under this act then notice in writing must be given to the third parties. See this booklet for more info
Any new room must meet fire standards. This requires adequate escape routes in the event of a fire for any new rooms. See the West Sussex or East Sussex Fire Regulations web pages for more info.

Raising Finance

If you don't have the funds to pay for a conversion there are number of ways you can raise it. Remortgaging is the most common way of raising the money. Most mortgage lenders will be happy to provide you with the money. Loans from finance companies are also a possibility but the cost of the load may be greater than going to your original mortgage lender. We are happy to provide written quotations to anyone needing to raise the finance from there mortgage lender or finance company.

	Amazing Space (Loft Conversions) Ltd
	Design: xldesign.co.uk