FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hopefully a few answers to those questions running around your head
My loft space doesn't look adequate to convert
My loft space doesn't look adequate to convert
Maybe you have popped your head in the loft and seen a large water tank, frameworks, trusses, a chimney stack. It's quite possible that you no longer need some of these things, water tanks can be moved or removed, chimneys may be unrequired and can be lowered, trussed roofs in modern homes can also be converted. Dormers can be added and roofs can be raised!
Do I need to obtain planning permission?
Do I need to obtain planning permission?
Very often not, under 50 cubic metres can be considered permitted development and that is a big space. Building regulations are advisable as you get a certificate for the works which makes the conversion official, adding the bedroom/s to your original count.
What are the regulations on headroom?
There are no regulations on head height for the loft space, theoretically you could crawl through it, but you must have 2m head height over the stairs. An ideal aim is to have 2.1m overall, so if you can stand in the centre of your unconverted loft with 30cm of space between your hair and the roof-ridge, you're not far off.
My home is modern and the roof-space is full of trusses
Although truss-roofs can put some loft convertors off, there is usually no-reason why the loft can't be converted, it is just done in a different manner, with steels sat on larger plates or lintels. Some home builders will say you can't have a loft conversion in a new build, but this is normally because they charge a premium for their purpose-built three storeys.
How long will my conversion take and what will be the disruption caused?
A loft conversion usually takes 4-6 weeks to put together, the dirtiest work is done early-on, by accessing the loft-space through the roof and doesn't affect the main house. Noise can't be avoided unfortunately, but when the work enters the main house, the aim is to keep noise and dust contained, cleaning at the end of the day.
