Do I need Permission for any Loft Conversion?
It is essential that the loft conversion meets all of the regulations and permissions that apply. Without one you may find yourself being ordered to get rid of any alterations and you’ll have problems if you choose to sell your house at a later date.
Building regulations
If your loft conversion is supposed to be used as new accommodation, for example a bedroom, study or office then you will need to make a Building Regulations application. Building regulations are utilized to make sure that any building or alteration work meets the set standards for the construction and designs of buildings, mainly to ensure the safety and health for all those living in or round the building. They’re also increasingly accustomed to make sure that the building is energy efficient and that use of the building has been considered. Read more ?
Permitted Development
Under permitted development you may make alterations (for example small extensions or loft conversions) to your house without obtaining planning permission. The guidelines were updated effective from the 1st October 2008 to reduce bureaucracy and encourage home owners to develop their houses. The good news is that lots of loft conversions could be built under permitted development rights, lets explore the guidelines in a little more detail. Read more ?
Planning permission
If you are making changes towards the external appearance of your house, then you may should also obtain planning permission. In the UK you’ll need planning permission (sometimes called planning consent) if you want to build on land, or if you wish to change the utilization of land or buildings. The requirement for planning permission has been around since 1947 underneath the Town and Country Planning act. Interestingly, all buildings and land uses that existed prior to 1947 were granted planning permission, also it was only next date that planning permission was required. The present version of the act is the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 if you choose to take a look you will have to put some time aside because it is a very lengthy and complicated document! The Local Planning Authority (LPA) accounts for granting planning permission. The LPA is normally your local Borough or District Council who will normally have an internet site with all the relevant information and forms.
What exactly are building regulations?
In case your loft conversion is supposed for use as new accommodation, for instance a bedroom, study or office then you’ll need to make a Building Regulations application. Building regulations are utilized to ensure that any building or alteration work meets the set standards for that construction and designs of buildings, mainly to guarantee the safety and health for those residing in or around the building. They are also increasingly accustomed to make sure that the building is energy-efficient which access to the building continues to be considered.
The next sections outline the main areas that must be considered. Houses using more than two storeys will need to meet similiar but more extensive requirements.
Structure
Generallly the exising timbers in your roof won’t be strong enough to aid the new floor. New timberwork will have to be installed and most often steelwork is going to be required because the span is generally too great for timber beams. Calculating how big timbers or steelwork is certainly employment best left for the professionals. Any changes to the roof such as the addition of the dormer or velux windows will need to built correctly so that they do affect the roof structure
Fire Resistance, Means of Escape and Access
The floors, walls and doors within your house and loft conversion should be able to resist fire for the specified period of time (this is normally 30 minutes). The purpose of the requirements is that there ought to be a fireplace protected path from the conversion facing outward. Under previous requirements a minimal level window and ledge may be installed in the loft as a way of escape and self closers were required about the doors. It has now been deemed that escape through the loft is simply too dangerous and also the main escape route should now be with the house.
The main stairways should be protected by installing fire rated doors on both storeys, self closers aren’t required for most houses. Fire doors may not be necessary for non inhabited rooms such as bathrooms and cupboards if they are deemed a low fire risk. When installing new fire rated doors dont forget that the hinges also needs to be fire rated. Interlinked, mains powered smoke alarms is going to be needed at each level and are an important safety item, the Direct Gov website has a good help guide to smoke alarms.
Most people choose a traditional staircase to their loft conversion, other types of space saving staircases can often be used if space is fixed. Be aware that space saving stairs can be quite difficult for children and the elderly to make use of and really should simply be considered once all other options have been explored.
Energy Conservation
Making certain your loft conversion is correctly insulated could keep the loft room cool in summer, warm in winter, lower your reduce your CO2 output and can save you money by keeping your heating bills low. Most loft conversions are now using modern high end thermal insulation boards for example those manufactured by Celotex or Kingspan. To conserve energy your loft conversion should have as low an U-value as possible.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for both the living space and also the roof space. Ventilation to the living area will prevent excessive condensation and make up of stale air. Ventilation to the roof space will prevent condensation that could create problems such as rot and timber decay.
Remember when looking for a company make sure you choose the right one, Take a look at Loft Conversions In Kent
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