Home insurance- loft

[kaneez]

We have recently converted our loft into a bedroom. We contacted an arcitect but we didnt have enough room for the staircase so we have gone ahead without planning permission. I have just heard that if you convert your loft into a bedroom without permission your home insurane doesnt cover anything is this true and what should i do about it?
Thanks Kaneez.

 

[jerholdsworth]

safety comes first.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

We assume you are getting Planning Permission and Building regulations confused, they are two entirely separate animals. You will find within the T&C of you home insurance that you need to inform them of any major works including converting the loft. Are you saying you converted the loft on the cheap, did not bother with Building Reg including a staircase (absolutely vital in a legal loft conversion) and are now worried you have invalidated your insurance? You need additional mains powered smoke alarms, fire doors throughout the property, adequate strengthening and fireproofing of the new floor and they are just the safety aspects. Insurance aside (as that only deals with property) if there was ever a fire the persons in the loft at the time will be vulnerable. What value do put on the occupants lives?

More information would lead to a more helpful reply.

Assume you know that as your loft does not contain a staircase it will remain a forever illegal conversion, as such an estate agent will never be able to market the property as having a bedroom in the loft as lawfully it is not one.

You can also end up with buyers being put off due to an illegal conversion.