How do I know if my loft can be converted?

Measure the head height The minimum height you need for a loft conversion is 2.2m, and you can easily measure this yourself. Take a tape measure and run it from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest part of the room. If it’s 2.2m or more, your loft should be tall enough to convert.

Do I need permission to convert my attic?

Will I need planning permission? Most straightforward conversions won’t need formal planning consent. Instead, many projects are allowed under what’s known as permitted development (PD) rights – often even if you’re adding a modest amount of extra space via dormer windows.

Is it worth converting my attic?

Recent research carried out by the Nationwide Building Society has shown that by converting a loft space, your house value can increase by as much as 20%. A loft conversion is appealing as it makes use of ‘dead’ space to create an extra room, rather than eating into an outside area in the way of typical extensions.

Can I convert my attic myself?

Can You do the Work Yourself? If you have experience in DIY tasks around the house, chances are that you will be able to convert the attic yourself. If the conversion requires a thorough cleaning, carpet installation, and paint job, you may also be able to handle things on your own.

Do you need stairs for a loft conversion?

Staircase Regulations All loft conversions must comply with building regulations, even if the type of conversion you are having means planning permission is not required. The regulations regarding a loft staircase are as follows: A fixed staircase must be in place to provide safe access to and from the loft room.

What should I look for in a new attic?

Arc fault and TR: All new wiring in your new attic living space must be protected by either an arc-fault circuit breaker or arc-fault receptacle. Plus, all outlets must be tamper-resistant. So look for the TR stamp on the outlet face.

Can you change the use of a loft room?

It really depends when the loft room was constructed. But generally no, unless you are changing the use. It would be an idea if concerned to bring it up to building regs standard. But you could be opening up a can of worms, i’e more work then you thought.

Do you need to replace floor joists in an attic?

If you have attic trusses (not conventional trusses), the members will be sized to support living space. If you have a rafter-framed attic, the floor joists may or may not be large enough for living space and may need to be reinforced or replaced.

What are the space requirements for an attic?

The basic space requirements for a finished attic boil down to the sizes of the finished rooms. “Finished” is important to remember when you’re measuring an empty attic space: Flooring, ceiling and wall materials and other elements will reduce headroom and floor space, and it’s the finished area that matters.

Can a loft be converted to an attic?

You cannot assume that your existing ceiling will be strong enough for an attic conversion. If you intend to use it as a liveable space then it will need to be able to bear loads of 400kg per square metre.

What’s the first step in building a loft?

First step when building a loft conversion, is to install the roof light windows (Velux’s). This is not only to provide instant light into the attic space while you work but to provide access into the loft each day for the tradesmen and all the materials that are needed to convert the loft.

What do I need to do to finish my attic?

Here are some must-do tips to follow when finishing your attic. Building codes vary by location, but most require at least a 7-foot clearance for attic expansions; that’s measured after you finish the ceiling. If you don’t have enough height, you’ll have to raise the roof line and that adds a lot to your construction costs.

Do you need enough space for an attic conversion?

However, if you can clear building and electrical code hurdles, attic conversions are a good way to increase space without spending a lot of money. Space regulations are often a deal-breaker for many homeowners. To satisfy building code, you need to have enough space—and the right kind of space—to meet these following regulations.