Hi,
I am having a major extension built and whilst the house is in bits I would like to have my loft space turned into something that is usable. I hesitate to use the phrase ‘loft conversion’ but that is basically what it would be.
I am told by my builder that he can make the space usable by insulating the floor and then boarding it with moisture proof boards (chip board I think he said), insulating it properly between the roof rafters and plaster boarding it so it can be painted and also but in a Velux Window. I am told the cross members can be replaced with vertical beams which will be suitable as there are 2 very substantial perlins that run the length of the loft ensuring the structural strength of the roof.
I could then have a decent loft ladder and hatch and hey presto a ‘posh loft’. I’d quite like to go a stage further and have a staircase put in which will obviously cost a bit more but makes access easier. Again my builder said he can do it but would have to build in a fire door at the top (fine with me).
Still with me…?
The problem I have is that the roof is not high enough to meet building reg’s as a loft conversion so this would have to be DIY project and my builder would not be taking any responsibility for it. I am totally comfortable he would do a ‘proper’ job as far as he can but my conundrum is – is it worth doing or will it just be a nightmare later on?
It seems daft to pass up the opportunity to have a pointless part of the house turned into something usable but in later years if I sell the house I don’t want potential buyers put off because I have a conversion without building reg’s.
When does a nice loft turn into a ‘loft conversion’??? (I would imagine a staircase is across that line). Anyway I would appreciate any thoughts and advice – I haven’t spent any cash on this yet so it is still just an idea…
Thanks a lot (and sorry it is so long)
I am having a major extension built and whilst the house is in bits I would like to have my loft space turned into something that is usable. I hesitate to use the phrase ‘loft conversion’ but that is basically what it would be.
I am told by my builder that he can make the space usable by insulating the floor and then boarding it with moisture proof boards (chip board I think he said), insulating it properly between the roof rafters and plaster boarding it so it can be painted and also but in a Velux Window. I am told the cross members can be replaced with vertical beams which will be suitable as there are 2 very substantial perlins that run the length of the loft ensuring the structural strength of the roof.
I could then have a decent loft ladder and hatch and hey presto a ‘posh loft’. I’d quite like to go a stage further and have a staircase put in which will obviously cost a bit more but makes access easier. Again my builder said he can do it but would have to build in a fire door at the top (fine with me).
Still with me…?
The problem I have is that the roof is not high enough to meet building reg’s as a loft conversion so this would have to be DIY project and my builder would not be taking any responsibility for it. I am totally comfortable he would do a ‘proper’ job as far as he can but my conundrum is – is it worth doing or will it just be a nightmare later on?
It seems daft to pass up the opportunity to have a pointless part of the house turned into something usable but in later years if I sell the house I don’t want potential buyers put off because I have a conversion without building reg’s.
When does a nice loft turn into a ‘loft conversion’??? (I would imagine a staircase is across that line). Anyway I would appreciate any thoughts and advice – I haven’t spent any cash on this yet so it is still just an idea…
Thanks a lot (and sorry it is so long)