Converting a loft to a bedroom can provide you with much-needed space. It can prevent you from having to sell up in search of a larger property. But before you go ahead with converting the space in your rafters to living space there are some points that you need to know.
Converting a Loft to a Bedroom : Regulations
Converting a loft to a bedroom will not always require planning permission. If you are not going to alter the exterior of your home then chances are that you won’t need permission. What you will need though is building regulations approval. This means that before you attempt a conversion yourself you should call in the experts. Your Bristol loft conversion experts can provide you with a reliable source of information on what regulations you need to stick to and if you will need planning permission or not. A builder control surveyor will inspect work at its various stages. When you use a reliable loft conversion expert this will be taken care of for you. On completion you will be issued with a certificate.
Converting a Loft to a Bedroom : Neighbouring Properties
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached dwelling, you will need to notify neighbours under the Party Wall Act requirement. For example, you may include beams in your build that will bear on the party walls. Asides letting your neighbours know of your plans, you need to assess whether your loft is suitable for conversion or not.
The suitability of your loft will depend on the roof space you have, the available head height, and the structure and pitch of your build. You may have other obstacles to worry about such as a chimney or your hot water tank. The useable part of your roof should be at least 2.2 metres tall. The amount of standing space you will have will of course be less due the fact your roof slopes. There is however no minimum ceiling height under building regulation, although stairs need a minimum headroom of 2m.
There are two main types of roof that can be converted into a loft bedroom. These are a traditional frame type and a truss section type. Houses that were built before the 1960’s will all have a traditional frame roof. The space is suitable for conversion to an attic room and the whole job is relatively inexpensive.
Post 1960 home use trusses, the timber being cheaper and thinner. This type of roof can be erected in a day, but opening up the space and converting to a bedroom or other living space is more difficult. Insertion of steel beams is generally used in the case of truss roofs. This will put up the cost of your loft conversion.
Cost of Converting a Loft to a Bedroom
The price for your conversion will depend on the type of roof you have as well as the size of conversion to be carried out. A basic conversion will start at around 15,000 pounds. This figure can vary greatly and you should also use a reputable and reliable loft conversion expert to ensure you get the best value for money.