Victorian mid-terrace - chipboard floor in loft

davejuk

I want to install a simple chip board floor across the joists in my loft for extra storage.

It's not a job I fancy doing myself so I've got quotes from a number firms advertising as loft conversion specialists. 3 have given me quotes over the phone based on my measurements and 1 wants to pop round to have a look.

A fifth guy called me back this afternoon and told me that if I just put chipboard down then I would get all sorts of structural problems when I put any weight on it. He was talking about putting a steel girder in as extra structural support and that it would be around £2,000.

Is there any truth in this or is he just trying to upsell me a bigger job?

big-all · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:44 pm Post Subject:

assuming your joists are 4x2" at 16" centres and around 14ft unsupported span
then with chipboard flooring fitted the space is sutable for light storage like the xmass decorations not heavy stuff like books and magazines

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Johnmelad502 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:22 pm Post Subject:

What are you thinking of storing up there?

I have boarded out a few in my time and it is surprising how much you can get into a loft without realising just how much weight you are adding.

Spread the load and keep it to a minimum.

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davejuk · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:43 pm Post Subject:

I need to store several thousand video games up there so it's not just a few Christmas decorations! At the moment they're just boxed and stacked up in the bedrooms so I want to create some space.

The gap between the joists is approximately 34cm, or just over 13".

I've lifted a bit of the insulation to try and see where it's supported but it's very mucky under it and it's difficult to see.

Obviously I would spread the load but I think I would be wise to get some structural work done and not just bang the chipboard down.

big-all · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:34 pm Post Subject:

why not beef the floor up to habitable standards then if you want a loft conversion later your not ripping it out and starting again and when you move it adds value

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davejuk · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:02 pm Post Subject:

A loft conversion will be approaching £20k, the structural work to support additional storage weight will be around £2k, and I was originally expecting it to cost £400 for the chip board.

I also plan on buying another place and letting this house out, so if I have a third floor then it will become multiple occupancy and I'll have to shell out even more money to meet the regulations for fire doors, windows, etc.

markie · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:01 am Post Subject:

big-all wrote:

why not beef the floor up to habitable standards then if you want a loft conversion later your not ripping it out and starting again and when you move it adds value

standards.. I take it you mean too the regs, even if the floor is done to the regs, it's still not a habitable standard..

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big-all · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:22 pm Post Subject:

markie wrote:

big-all wrote:

why not beef the floor up to habitable standards then if you want a loft conversion later your not ripping it out and starting again and when you move it adds value

standards.. I take it you mean too the regs, even if the floor is done to the regs, it's still not a habitable standard..

yep off course but it just means you dont have to rip anything out and waste money you just carry on and insulate fit a rear dormer and providing its within permited devolpment then bobs your uncle

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we are------------------ all still learning