Loft conversion

[bellch]

We live in a timber framed house approx 15 years old. We have more children than bedrooms and, as the garage is slightly away from the house the best solution for obtaining extra living space is to convert the lofft. I am no diy'er but money is tight and we have been quoted £30,000 for the conversion which is totally out of our league.

I have two major questions you guys should be able to help with.

1. Would I still need to reinforce the ceiling/floor beams. I cannot see that they are different to any other floor in the house?
2. There are floor to ceiling beams everywhere up there - how do I deal with these?

Thanks in advance of some useful pointers.

 

[merlin50]

you should not have kids that you can not afford. simples

 

[ladylola]

From your description it sounds like trussed rafter construction. It isn't possible to remove those "floor to ceiling" timbers without a great deal of work , inserting steels and so forth.
If you remove those timbers you may well find your loft and bedrooms become the same space!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Aye as mentioned you're entering a world of pain, spend the money on getting the chop instead.

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=137740&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15