Lotf conversion - where to start

FNG

FNG

FNG

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Joined
28 Dec 2002
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Hi,

I have a house. With a loft . And would like to convert said loft into a room. But I don't know where to start!

The loft is an old Victorian loft so there are no trusses, which makes it easier. However access up will need thinking about and I would like a dormer. I will also need alterations to the floor below to make it usable with a third room above it.

Do I get an architect in to draw up plans or do I use one of these specialist loft companies that claim to do everything? Has anyone gone through the process and do you have any recommendations on where to start with it?

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the link.

Looking at that I think I can do a basic conversion under permitted development and looking at the houses around me I don't think I will have a problem getting permission for a dormer, if I actually require permission for it (I am a little confused with the "any additional roof space created" allowance - is this actually new space in the roof, i.e. dormer, or space that will be converted to living space...).

I will be getting the builders in as I have no skills in this area and I will only use ones that are happy to meet the building regs so I ma not too concerned with the building regs side. I am just confused as to how to start the actual planning!

Eidt: Just had a read and the additional space is just that, additional roof space. So it looks like the dormer will be permitted development as it should not be more that 40m3.
 
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You looked at loft conversion companies, most offer a complete package from survey, drawings, dealing with local authority planning & building regulation departments, through to construction.

Can save you a lot of grief.
 
Wouldn't do it yourself as unless you really know what you're doing you could do something that damages the structural integrity of the entire house.

I got mine done by a professional loft conversion company that got a kosher engineer to work out the stresses and weight so I now have huge steels across the house from one chimney breast to the other front and rear.

It's also worth it as they will have many examples to draw from regarding things like how to gain access, stairwell designs, fire protection, insulation requirements, etc.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I have contacted a couple of local loft companies to come and have a look at tell me the feasibility of the conversion.
 
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