What you need to know about loft conversions
If you haven't already had a proud neighbour show off their glorious loft conversion then you've probably seen them in the glossy magazines. Lofts are a fantastic way to expand your living space without breaking the bank because they are typically underused, yet easy to open up and light making them perfect for playrooms, bedrooms, and home offices. We can help you transform your house, adding significantly to its resale value, and saving you the hassle and cost of moving if your family or home space needs grow. We've even had clients who didn't need the space themselves but converted attics into en-suite guest rooms simply to increase the value and ease on reselling.
Fire, Insulation, and Structure
Luxe Loft Conversions are professionals which means that as well as superb craftsmanship you can be assured of total compliance with planning and safety regulations. Many loft conversions don't require planning permission since they fall under the parameters of Permitted Development but we can advise you and if permission is required we will ensure it is granted. Then there's the issue that most lofts weren't made to be habitable spaces so they will require some structural modification and better insulation if they're going to be nice and toasty not to mention keep the fuel bills down. Finally in the post Grenfell towers world there are ever more stringent fire regulations and since exits from lofts are often less than simple we ensure that fire limiting technologies and materials are employed to take that into account.
Sky's the Limit
Once you've decided to use that space under the roof then the sky is the limit in terms of what you can do. To help you we can provide architects plans of the kind of effects you can create in your own home. Dream big and create en suite guest rooms, a light and airy home office with adequate charge points for all your electronics, or even a personal gym in the attic.
Dormers, Velux, and Skylights
Key to a successful loft conversion is the lighting and with the space being directly under the roof it makes sense to open up to the skies to get the most of natural light. There are a number of ways of doing this with Velux windows being probably the most popular type of skylight. These come in a range of sizes and styles and transform your converted space. Where a bit of extra headroom is required you may want to think about dormer windows which stand up out of the roof itself and give that feeling of space as well as the ability to stand up straight in front of windows where there is a view.
Stairs
Stairs to a new loft conversion can prove difficult. There are regulations to abide by, such as the minimum two-metre head clearance under and above the stairs. Fire exits are not needed in a home, as they would be in a commercial building, but means of escape should be considered and fire prevention/detection should also be incorporated.
Raising the Roof
In some cases there just isn't enough head space under the rafters for adults to move around and then there is no option but to raise the roof, at least for the conversion space. That does have planning and structural implications but we are well familiar with them so talk to us about raising your roof if you think it's stopping you from enjoying another room in your home.
Do I Need Planning Permission for my Loft Conversion?
You don’t normally require planning permission for a standard room-in-roof loft conversion – that may include a dormer – unless:
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the newly converted space is over 50m³ (40m³ for a terraced home);
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the dormer is beyond the plane of the existing roof slope on the front elevation;
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the dormer is higher than the current highest part of the roof (this is often the case in mansard style extensions);
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you want to include side windows that are non-obscure glazed and/or less than 1.7m above the floor;
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you live in a specially designated area such as a Conservation Area or your home is listed;
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the dormer will be within 20cm of the eaves.
It is always best to check with your local planning department to clarify the above.
Regardless of whether it needs planning approval, a loft conversion will require Building Regulations approval.
For more advice on planning approval and Building Regulations, visit planningportal.gov.uk
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Building Regulations
You might not need planning permission if you come under the permitted developments but you will always require building regulations approval. This means submitting a building notice to the local authorities beforehand. This is the standard procedure and usually the case for garage conversions. The construction work can still proceed and a building inspector will come around at different phases of the project and approve the work that is being carried out. As we are professional and confident builders and deal with these inspections on a regular basis you have nothing to be concerned about, as we project manage all aspects of each phase of the on-going building work as it progresses through to completion. Once all the work is completed and to a satisfactory level, then the building inspector will issue a completion certificate.
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Party Wall Agreement
If the work you're planning is going to affect the wall that joins your house to your neighbour's, you'll need to have a Party Wall Agreement. This is an agreement between you and your neighbour that aims to ensure that work done is fair and won't endanger your neighbour's property. You'll need to give a Party Wall Notice - a summary of your proposed work and copies of your plans - to your adjoining neighbours. You can find free templates for these online, or get help from your builder or architect. It's then up to your neighbour to sign their agreement. If they are concerned, they may request an independent party wall surveyor to approve the work. You can recommend a surveyor, but it's ultimately up to them to decide who they use, and you're obliged to pay for their services. The surveyor will come and inspect the plans, and may request further documentation, before signing off the work to go ahead, or asking for any reasonable amendments to be made. You can find out more about the Party Wall etc Act 1966 and what it covers by visiting the government planning website.
If you are searching on google for loft conversions near me, or either garage conversions or house extensions, I am pleased to inform you that we have you covered in that department.
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We also complete other kinds of property conversions around the Milton Keynes and Bedford areas. If you are looking for Extension ideas or garage conversion ideas, we can help and guide you to make the right choice. Alternatively you can return and browse our Home page.
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Luxe Loft Conversions