Loft conversion and height

[ddoubleep]

I am contemplating a loft conversion.

I measured from to the top where the joins meet in the rafters to the joist/floorboards I had laid years ago and it came to approx 2.32m.

I have read you need between 2.2 to 2.4 to make it worthwhile but not really able to see any local jobs from builders so wanted opinions on whether the height I have is worth it to gain a bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe and maybe a study of some sort?

I imagine the usable height would be around 2.1 to 2.2m?

Anyone done a conversion with a similar height?

 

[ddoubleep]

Feeling trapped and claustrophobic is one of my concerns as it will be the master bedroom to allow the kids to get separate rooms on the first floor. Trying to imagine the space is very difficult. Wanted to try and get planning permission or some plans drawn up but guess will have to ride out being at home like everyone else.

 

[ddoubleep]

How much have you looked into it? Apologies if you have already considered the Building Regulations implications, but in case you haven't, working out isn't as simple as it may seem. I've designed loft conversions as a structural engineer.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/36/loft_conversion/3

Your loft floor is unlikely to be suitable for a habitable space in terms of loading (25kg/m2 loft storage vs 150kg/m2 domestic). That usually means the loft joists will either need replacing, or new deeper joists (creating a raised floor) installed in between the existing ones, the latter being more common. With that in mind, you could be looking at losing 50-100mm through the new raised floor. So that needs to be factored into your space planning.

Thank you for this. Prior to being stuck at home I had two architects out and one said it was possible whilst the other wasn’t so sure. When ringing around loft firms in the area they seem to think it is possible but not sure if that is to simply get the work or payment towards some plans being drawn up and submitted.

The house is quite wide and would want to use all the attic for habitable space but the height sounds like it could be a stumbling block at around 2m 32cm? Who do I need to speak to see if this is a goer without being led up the garden path or going around in circles?

Thank you.

 

[ddoubleep]

2.1m is about the height to the top of a door frame
just do a full stretch with your arms above your head whilst standing in your door frame and you'd see what i mean about feeling trapped

When you put it like that is does feel low but it was more to imagine seeing or being able to experience walking around in an existing job to get an idea.

There are houses in my street who have done conversions but their house style is different to mine. Am I being naive but the guys who do a conversion are their attics giving them more vertical space or are they just accepting lowered ceilings such as 2.1m?

 

[ddoubleep]

@DB_SamX thanks for the tip on going through the planning portal. I went through it and found applications from the last 15 years and was an interesting read in some cases. The ones that passed all seem to vary in height. A couple of them were 2m, another was 2.32 and one was 2.5m after the build.

@ik9000 I have not touched the roof and it is in its original build at the moment.

@norm I have already extended the rear and the kitchen but looking for an extra bedroom which would be the master bedroom giving the kids their own bedrooms. I cannot afford to move as housing market is pricing me out.

So after some more looking around I came across https://www.loftplan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/051-2-1-1024x768.jpg and https://www.loftplan.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/021-1-1024x768.jpg which I believe is just over 2m and the sort of height I could get.

I spoke to a couple of different architects who plugged in my height of 2.32 and calculated worst case scenario is 2m but looking at around 2.1m of head height once completed.

I also rung around a few builders to get their opinion on the space I have and lots said it is all doable and only one said it was a bit tight so asked them further questions. They said you would instantly lose 6 inches with the new joists for the floor. They could shave some space by putting the insulation above and not below? You'd lose space with plaster boards, plastering and the carpet hence looking at anything between a guaranteed 2m to 2.10/15 but only know more once the roof is taken off.

A few of the builders suggested get the plans drawn up and then see their lower ceiling builds if possible later this year.

I even resorted to putting up cardboard under my beams to get an idea how much head height is 2m when walking about!