If you’re looking to convert your loft into a habitable space, it is important to get the right information before beginning any work. This will ensure that your conversion is done correctly and safely.
If your loft conversion meets certain guidelines, it may be considered Permitted Development. However, if your plans differ from these, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Permitted Development
There are a few requirements that your Loft conversion company needs to meet in order for it to be classed as permitted development. These are very much dependent on your home, its location and what you want to do with it.
Your loft conversion must be set back at least 20cm from the eaves and it must not extend beyond any existing roof slope that is on the principal elevation of your house, if the corresponding roof fronts a highway. It must also be made using materials that are similar to the original property.
Your loft must also be insulated to a minimum of 0.18W/m2K or lower, and it should have a depth of at least 270mm for mineral or glass wool insulation. It must also have a permanent staircase that can be used as a fire escape, with 2m of headroom and a pitch no more than 42deg.
Building Regulations
Loft conversions are a popular way to add extra living space to your home. They can also boost the value of your property. But before you can start a conversion, you need to know the building regulations that apply.
These can range from fire safety, to staircase and window requirements. It’s a good idea to seek advice from a professional architect or loft builder who understands the requirements of the building regulations before you go ahead with any work.
Stairs: You will need to ensure that your stairs meet the minimum requirements for headroom, tread depth and step size. They must also be protected by a fire door.
Windows: You will need to install egress windows in your loft conversion that will allow a person to escape from the room in the event of a fire. They should be at least 450mm x 450mm and 0.33m2 in area.
Getting building regulations right means your loft conversion will be safe and structurally sound, and it will be easier to sell your property later on. It can also help keep your insurance costs down and avoid the need for a structural survey, so it’s well worth seeking advice before you go ahead with any work.
Party Wall Requirements
If your terraced house or semi-detached house is creating space in the form of a loft conversion, it’s likely that you will need to agree a party wall agreement with the neighbouring owners. This is because building work typically involves structural changes to shared walls, chimneys and roofs that can potentially damage the adjoining property.
The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a way to resolve disputes and protects all parties involved. It states that homeowners must give notice to the owner of any neighbouring properties at least two months before work begins on a party structure.
Fire Safety
Building a loft conversion is an excellent home improvement project that can add a huge amount of extra living space to your property and increase its value. However, you will need to follow the correct fire safety procedures in order to ensure that your new room is safe and complies with building regulations.
If your new rooms are 4.5m or higher above external ground level, then you will need to provide 30-minute fire protection in the floor and walls, including a protected escape route all the way from the loft to the front door. This may require you to upgrade doors en-route to fire-resistant ones.
Aside from that, you will also need to have smoke alarms installed in the loft and throughout your new rooms. These will be linked to other alarms in the house so that they will sound if there is an emergency.