first home, first major project

[OneLooseCrank]

Hi guys, I am a new home owner (first time buyer, 100year old house) and there are a lot of things I want to do to the house to improve it. I've no real experience in joinery or electrics, but I'm pretty handy having built a few cabinets and tried to do mostly everything I've ever attempted myself.
Anyway, I want to convert the loft into an artists' studio. The big bonus is that there are no cross members between the eaves meaning you can walk the whole space. The problem however is that the loft access is bang in the middle and would be a real pain if it stays where it is. I would like to move it which, having done some research so far seems certainly possible - after I've explored if the ceiling joists structural to the roof. My first of many future questions is: is it a really stupid idea to move it over the stairs? It would make the space much better to walk around if the access was moved there.
Thanks

 

[wrightwoodwork]

If you want to do a loft conversation get a a structural engineer to assess things you will properly need to beef up the joists. There is a product called tele joist which is expandable is a good way to to go. Ideal you want the stairs to be in the center to the front or back wall, you will need to sacrifice a room down stairs. Is there other of conversions in the area you have moved to go speak to them ask what they did who they used and what they would do different. Not sure if I've misunderstood where you want to move the hatch but I wouldn't move over the stair for the simple reason if you coming down loft ladders and fall you will also fall down the stairs well.

 

[OneLooseCrank]

My intention was to just use loft ladders to get in. It won't be used as a bedroom, just a place for the other half to do her art work. We've pretty high ceilings and my initial thought was to have the loft ladder boxed in at the ceiling and supported on gas struts making it easier to lower or lift out of the way - a little unconventional I know... The stairs run along the wall to the midpoint, and the loft access would be at the top of the stairs with ladder running perpendicular to the wall onto the landing (90deg to the stairwell).
I didn't know the joists might not be suitable for a conversion - that's something I'll have to look into. Part of the attic was boarded out with 18mm MDF by a previous owner so I can walk about. I just assumed that they would be fine...
Would planning regs have issues with an access at the top of the stairs, and another room (I have windows planned for the attic) that is only accessed via loft ladders?

 

[wrightwoodwork]

Your loft ladder should be fine as long as it's positioned, that in the unfortunate case that some one falls they don't fall down the stairs. Your idea does seem a bit unusual. Not sure of your ceiling heights or budget, but personally I would go for a Ramsey loft ladder they do up to 3.66m. It's always best to check things like joists are suitable saves a lot of hassle later if not. They could be fine. As for planning regs should be fine with the loft ladder been moved as long as you can't fall down the stairs. If putting in new windows in loft I think you will need planning permission. The general rule is other people have them then you will properly get but can't guarantee. I'm guessing at the moment you want to die an art studio. If the joists are 225 deep they will properly be fine, but always check never assume. If it was me I'd get planning for the the windows with the outline for doing an attic conversation. I think the permission lasts for 10 years but you would need to check how long they last for. Presuming the joist are OK I would have pipes run for radiators and cables run for any power points you want then floor the attic then put the windows in you have permission for. Also something to be aware of is, if you get planning permission now for doing the attic conversion is if they change building regs you are allowed to work from old regs. Food for thought. Basically you want to give yourself the most options have an end goal don't make up as you go. Evan if you don't do and need to sell having permission to do things still will add a little value on

 

[tony1851]

You need to be careful here with regard to the council.

First, planning permission will almost certainly not be required - it's Building Control you need to consider.

If the loft room is to be used for anything more than occasional light storage, then B.C. will class it as a habitable room, and the whole gammut of regulations will come into play.

In that case, a pull-down ladder would not be acceptable; you would almost certainly need to beef up the floor (possibly including new steel beams); adequate insulation would be required to the roof; and (if existing house is two-storey) you would have to have a protected staircase to the ground floor, with fire doors etc.

 

[OneLooseCrank]

E gads. So, an artists studio, with velux windows will probably constitute more than light storage and will need a full staircase... not what i was wanting. A couple of neighbours have velux, so planning permission for them should be fine. The biggy really is moving the hatch out of the middle of the attic to open up more space, but only if i could use a drop down ladder.

 

[catlad]

You can put your loft hatch were you want.