Considering a Loft Conversion? 5 Things You Need to Remember

Are you considering adding a loft conversion to your home? There are multiple benefits, but, whether you want a home office, a guest room or to increase the value of your property before selling, you need to consider these crucial five points before you move ahead.

1. Is Your Property Suitable for a Loft Conversion?

The first thing you need to consider is whether or not your property is suitable for a loft conversion. The type of loft conversion you choose will depend on the layout and type of your home. You can determine if your property is suitable for a loft conversion by asking yourself the following:

Can Your House Handle the Weight of a Loft Conversion?

You will first need to determine if your property will be able to support the weight of a loft conversion. While a loft conversion contributes only a modest increase in weight, it’s still a vital step. A contractor may inspect the foundations to check if they can handle the extra weight, such as the weight of any beams or lintels required to support the structure. If it turns out your home will require underpinning to strengthen the foundations of your home, you will need to increase your budget substantially.

Does Your House Have Enough Head Height for a Conversion?

It happens more often than you might think: Homeowners have a loft conversion project completed and they’re excited to use their new space, only to realise that there is not enough headroom for their needs. You should check this with your contractor, then double check it and, just to be on the safe side, check it again.

Typically, a loft with a head height of at least 2.3 meters is fit for a conversion. However, any chimneys, water tanks and the pitch of the roof can affect this, so it’s always wise to discuss your needs with your loft conversion contractor to ensure your loft will be fit for purpose.

If your loft has a lower head height, you may need to make some adjustments, such as removing sections of the roof. Such adjustments will pile up the costs and require planning permission.

To avoid disappointment and delay due to a lack of planning or unpleasant financial surprises, it’s crucial to apply due diligence early on.

2. Planning Permissions, Building Regulations and Approvals

Planning Permission

In most cases, you will not require planning permission for a standard loft conversion. However, as we mentioned earlier, there are circumstances where you will require permission from your council, such as if you’re removing parts of the roof to accommodate your needs or if you live in a conservation area.

In order for your loft conversion to fall under permitted development and not require planning permission (and, therefore, keep costs down!) you need to meet the following conditions:

 

  • There is to be no extension of the roof space
  • There is to be no extension higher than the top point of the roof
  • All materials used should be in keeping with the property’s current look and style
  • There will be no verandas, balconies or raised platforms.

 

If you’re not sure whether or not you’ll need planning permission for your loft conversion, it won’t hurt to get in touch with your local council to get their advice.

Building Regulations and Approvals

A loft conversion must meet specific building regulations, which are designed to ensure safety and prevent accidents. These regulations cover:

  • The strength of the floor
  • The headroom above the staircase
  • Adequate fire escapes
  • Thermal efficiency
  • Electrics
  • Plumbing/central heating
  • Glazing

 

It’s vital to consult a reputable loft conversion company that can ensure your loft conversion is designed and executed to meet these regulations.

If your house is semi-detached or terraced, make sure you inform your neighbour of your plans in advance. Not only is it a neighbourly thing to do, but it can save you some serious headaches when work begins, if they start a dispute.

3. Insulation

Heat loss is a major contributor to hefty energy bills. The loft plays a major role when it comes to making or breaking your energy bill — whether converted or not — because warm air rises through your home and escapes via your loft.

When you add a loft conversion, it gives you the perfect opportunity to make your house more energy efficient. And, because the installation of effective insulation is part of the building regulations, this is one great benefit you won’t miss out on.

4. Fire Safety Upgrade

When your house is converted from a two-storey to a three-storey, there will be fire safety implications. To ensure protection against fire, you may need to re-plaster the ceilings below the conversion and your loft will need to be separated by a fire door, either at the top or bottom of your new stairs. You should also consider adding skylight windows that are easily accessible in the event of a fire.

Each floor will also require mains-powered smoke alarms which sound simultaneously when one is activated. Your loft conversion company will be able to ensure this is part of your loft design plans and implemented to meet regulations. All habitable rooms should have also have fire doors.

5. Getting Everything Done Properly

Before you start on your journey to getting your new loft conversion, you should take the time to research a reputable company. While your contractor will be able to advise you, consider the layout of your completed conversion and its desired purpose, be it a bathroom, study or additional bedroom.

The location of stairs leading to your loft is also something you need to consider early on, as they can be a tricky factor. Stairs take up space and are a legal requirement according to UK Building Regulations, meaning they need to be implemented in a way that is safe and will not compromise the space you currently have.

A good loft conversion company will be able to assist you with everything from the best type of conversion for your property and needs, to the design, approval and final completion of your project.

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Highest demand to lease office space since pre-pandemic

The latest insights from the UK’s number one commercial property website Rightmove, reveals that the number of unique enquiries to lease office space is at its highest point since pre-pandemic, as businesses look for spaces that meet modern requirements. Demand to lease office space is 19% higher than the same period a year ago and…
Read More
Planning disputes on new build land
Estate Agent Talk

Planning consultations for major infrastructure to be streamlined

Robert Bruce, a planning and infrastructure partner at law firm Freeths LLP, said he: “Welcomed the change as a significant step to speeding up the DCO process and the focus on the quality and effectiveness of the consultation, rather than box ticking and a risk averse approach to pre-application consultation due to the current legal…
Read More
Breaking News

‘The property ladder pulls further away’ warns Open Property Group

For many first-time buyers across England, the dream of homeownership continues to slip further out of reach. Despite rising wages, soaring house prices are making it harder than ever to get on the property ladder. A leading UK professional house buying company ‘Open Property Group’ based in Buckinghamshire UK, has raised concerns over the ongoing…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

How Long It Takes to Buy a House in the UK: 5 Common Delays That Can Slow Down Your Home Purchase

Wondering how long it takes to buy a house in the UK? The average timeline ranges from 8 to 22 weeks, but even that can stretch significantly due to unexpected delays, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or caught in a chain. That’s why working with experienced professionals like Belvoir — one of the UK’s…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove to host Renters’ Rights Bill webinar with Guild of Lettings

Rightmove is hosting a live and interactive webinar session with the Guild of Lettings to help agents get Renters’ Rights Ready. The webinar will take place from 10:00am – 11:00am on Wednesday 23rd April. Susie Crolla, Managing Director for the Guild of Lettings, will be joining Rightmove to help agents with questions they may have about…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage completions surged 50 per cent in March amid race to avoid higher stamp duty

March saw highest volume of mortgage completions recorded since September 2021 Homebuyers report now needing an additional £13,530 on top of the property price to cover taxes and fees Three in four have seen housing costs rise, up £126 on average per month Renters’ confidence in their ability to purchase a property within five years…
Read More