Table of Contents
How do you know if your loft can be converted?
Measure the head height. The minimum height you need for a loft conversion is 2.2 metres and you can easily measure this yourself. Run a tape measure from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest part of the room. If it’s 2.2 metres or more, your loft should be tall enough to convert.
Can every loft be converted?
Of course, not everyone’s loft is suitable for conversion. While the vast majority of them are, a tricky few are either too small, too low or too strangely shaped to be turned into any kind of practical living area.
How high does my loft need to be for a conversion?
Most lofts can be converted but what is crucial is that there is enough achievable headroom. Ideally you need a minimum of 2.3m (7 feet 6 inches) to start with from the existing ceiling joists to the apex of the loft.
How much weight can a loft conversion take?
Typically the joists in a loft will support about 40kg/m2 of weight so providing you’re storing less than this you won’t need to do any additional work to strengthen the joists.
Can I convert my loft without building regulations?
A loft conversion is considered illegal if it was built without building regulations or planning permission. This may mean the conversion isn’t safe for use or fit for habitation and unless it’s rectified, the loft will be a potential risk to anyone living in the house.
How do you make a loft space usable?
The simplest way of turning your loft into easily usable storage space is to lay boards over the joists and attach them with nails or screws. This will provide you with a stable floor that can spread the weight over the joists, as well as giving you easy access to your possessions.
Can my Neighbour stop my loft conversion?
So, generally speaking, if your loft conversion does not involve cutting into the party wall for supporting beams or any other structural alterations to a wall shared between you and a neighbour then there is very little that they can do to prevent you converting your loft.
Do I need architect for loft conversion?
One of the first questions we get asked is whether you need an architect to design your loft conversion. Well, no you don’t, but it is highly recommended that you do.
Where do you put stairs for a loft conversion?
When it comes to loft conversions, however, staircase headroom can be 1.8m to the side of a stair, and 1.9m in the centre. The highest part of the loft, in line with the roof ridge, is an ideal location for a staircase to land, therefore.
How much does a loft conversion cost UK?
General Labour Costs and Timescales Based On Conversion Type
| Type of Conversion | Duration | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Velux Loft Conversion | 4-6 weeks | £9,000-£14,000 |
| Dormer Loft Conversion | 6-8 weeks | £20,000-£40,000 |
| Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion | 6-8 weeks | £20,000-£35,000 |
| Mansard Loft Conversion | 8-10 weeks | £25,000-£45,000 |
Can a loft collapse?
Every truss in your loft works together to support the roof. In severe cases, removing a truss or two can cause your roof to sag and possibly collapse!
Do I need a fire door on my loft conversion?
1. Do Fire Doors need to be fitted in loft conversions? Yes, fire doors are essential in loft conversions. Building Regulations provide that when converting an existing roof space into a room, or rooms, the provisions for escape need to be considered.