Loft Conversion

[robovanbasten]

Hi all,

Thinking of doing a loft conversion (with dormer) on my mid-terrace property (trussed roof).
The property is of timber frame construction, the only brickwork is at the front & back of the property, i.e. the party walls are just stud walling.

The span from front to back is about 7 meters, with internal stud walls beneath - not sure if there load bearing though.

I've done lots of reading in both books and forums with mixed messages.

The existing trusses are only 4x2" spaced at 55cm (7 of them). In order to remove 5 of the W sections (I'll leave the end ones) I know I’ll have to do a lot of strengthening, question is how much?

My plan is to:
- Sister the existing floor joists with 7x2” running from front to back (25mm above to protect the ceilings underneath).
- Build stud walls (from 6x2” timber) roughly 1 meter high to support the roof (and probably but some cupboards in).
- Strap the top of each truss.
- Build the dormer, that spans 5 of the trusses, that will give us maximum space.

This space will only be used as a snug/office.

Has anyone done a loft conversion like this before? Any help would be much appreciated!?

Regards,
Robo

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Often the most tricky thing with loftys is getting a compliant stair to fit, you'll have to add a few steels which needs to be designed by a structural engineer, Trussed lofts are a bit more hassle but doable it so happens: //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=261722

What is the existing head height to the ridge? This can often be too low to accomodate a conversion given the additional floor structure and insulation beneath the existing rafter line required.