First timer, so be kind please. I have just bought a small 2 bed terraced and want to convert the loft to create a small 3rd bedroom. I am pretty handy at DIY and have done two previous refurbs on terraces. I have also done a loft conversion in a 1920 3 bed semi which was passed off by the building inspector last year and so have some knowledge and experience.
The available floor space in the terrace house is not very big and is reduced further by two large beams (purlins I think the pro's call them) approximately half way up the pitch of the roof on either side, which is where I would need to put the velux. The height looks similar to the images shown in Duzzers forum. To create more usable floor space I would like to remove the purlins and lower the loft floor by about 2ft. I plan to position two 8"x 4" timbers across the span of the upstairs and then hang 6" x 2" across from one to the other. Once in place, I will add 3" x 2" uprights which will be fastened to the roof to provide support so the current supporting beams can then be removed. There is sufficient space in the bedrooms and bathroom below to do this.
My questions are:
Can a loft floor space be lowered as I have proposed.
What is the best way to remove the beams (purlins I think) and still provide adequate support for the roof and can I support the roof as proposed.
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The available floor space in the terrace house is not very big and is reduced further by two large beams (purlins I think the pro's call them) approximately half way up the pitch of the roof on either side, which is where I would need to put the velux. The height looks similar to the images shown in Duzzers forum. To create more usable floor space I would like to remove the purlins and lower the loft floor by about 2ft. I plan to position two 8"x 4" timbers across the span of the upstairs and then hang 6" x 2" across from one to the other. Once in place, I will add 3" x 2" uprights which will be fastened to the roof to provide support so the current supporting beams can then be removed. There is sufficient space in the bedrooms and bathroom below to do this.
My questions are:
Can a loft floor space be lowered as I have proposed.
What is the best way to remove the beams (purlins I think) and still provide adequate support for the roof and can I support the roof as proposed.
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