Are there any disadvantages to having your loft converted?
Fotoviva Art Prints
8 years ago
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Fotoviva Art Prints
8 years ago Related Discussions
Tell us: Do you have any home renovation regrets?
Comments (32)Whilst I recognise there's a few tradespeople on here bemoaning fussy clients I have to say my biggest regrets when renovating my house was not being specific enough with trades! We had an electrician put in an extra light switch in the hall to control both the downstairs and upstairs lighting. He put it in a good 10-15cm lower than the other switch further along the same wall which looked completely ridiculous. Made him move it in line with the other one much to his annoyance. Another similar incident was with a vertical column rad for the kitchen - whilst I was specific enough this time to ask it be centered to the wall it was on, he installed it much higher than needed with about 30cm of pipe sticking out the bottom! It would have looked much better in line with the doorframe adjacent. Had to learn to live with that one. We had engineered wood floors put in upstairs - the fitter used the shortest wall in the smallest room to take a plumbline from. When it came into the hall it was obviously on a complete wonk. By this point I'd gotten a bit better at speaking up and ensuring we actually got what was needed (and paid for!). He had to take it up and re-lay using the hall as the plumbline. Looked so much better but he was extremely annoyed! After all this I learned to use masking tape to direct exactly where pipes/light switches/trim should be fitted so there was no room for 'interpretation'. I also forced myself to speak up more and advocate for what I really wanted. That said I'm a designer by trade so I generally know what I want and how to make it look good but was definitely a bit too shy to contradict trades in the beginning!...See MoreNeed to fit a big bathroom in loft, any ideas?
Comments (36)Karen, to be honest with you, you do not really need the council's approval (or Lawful Develpment Certificate). As long as you are absolutely sure that what you are doing is within PD, you can just go ahead. The LDC is for future buyers, and can be gained retrospectively. I didn't wait for it on either of my projects - by the time it came from Lambeth I had basically finished the outside of the loft. It is absolutely critical that if you do this, you make sure your plans are compliant though...with loft conversions that is mainly making sure that you do not exceed the maximum additional volume measurements, and that the dormer is set back 20cm from the edge of the original roof. Do make sure your builder is on top of the necessary building control notifications and inspections though - this takes much more effort, and is nothing to do with planning, and absolutely compulsory. Happy to tell you more about this/answer questions: you have my e-mail address. Everything from the specification of windows,through insulation depth required, to position of plug sockets is controlled and needs to be correct. In my experience, plenty of builders don't know enough about the regs and bodge things. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/120/what_to_do_next/3...See MoreAny questions with regard to loft conversions? > check out this guide
Comments (1)Avoid Loft Conversions if you can.......See MoreLoft conversion plan, what can be done?
Comments (9)Hi, Your property seems to be quite square which is unusual, but beneficial when trying to gain two bedrooms in teh loft. In order to gain 2no. bedrooms and a bathroom, you would need to carry out the hip to gable works, and install a large rear box dormer. This will allow for 2no. bedroom located within the dormer a approximately 2.8m wide and 3m deep. There would hopefully still be enough room for a corridor to a small shower room or bath tucked into the eaves. We woudl usually recommend a minimum ridge height of 2.3m to the top of the existing ceiling joists, to allow for the installation of a dormer running full width of the property, new floor joists and insulation to the new roof. The stairs would most likely have to take up the small 3rd bedroom. Could end up something similar to the attached Image. I hope that helps. Drawmyextension.co.uk...See More
Rob
8 years ago
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Fotoviva Art Prints
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PROCaldicot Kitchen & Bathroom Centre
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PROStairBox
8 years agoHi!
The previous comments are correct in that you need to have a fixed staircase and this would need to comply with certain regulations, however there is a little flexibility as long as it is a single room or single room with an en-suite. If it is a single room then you could consider a paddle flight:
White painted SpaceSaver staircase with pine accents · More InfoThese take up far less room while being completely safe and complying fully with UK Building Regulations. However, we would always say that if you have the room, there is something to be said for a 'proper' staircase.
You can read a little more about Loft Staircases here.
Fotoviva Art Prints thanked StairBox
Rob