regs/advice converting loft into extra space

deano72_2

i want to convert my loft as extra space,just to put the drum kit in there & train set (if ihad one)that sort of thing really.i will use the lof hatch as access so no staircase, i want to put in 1 or 2 velux windows,power/lighting thats about it.had a builder round & said we need to put extra suports which consits of a beam going down each side from back to front with uprites suporting the roof joists.nothing has been said about ceiling joists which i intending on just chipboarding over.the loft is pretty big with no cross suports in the way which bit surprising but i guess thats why we need to put in the extra suports.whats your input on of doing this,i dont want to make it habbital just make use of the wasted space really

Pitlanepiglet

Other than ensuring that it is safe - on which you should listen to your builder.

You only need comply with building regs if it is habitable space, ie a bedroom. If it's additional storage etc. then you can board it and do what you like without any reference to building regs.

Pitlanepiglet

Sorry, should also have said that you need to talk to your local planing authority re velux windows....they would also demonstrate a presumption that it is habitable space in which case building regs should apply....

zax47

Ceiling joists are just that, designed to hang a ceiling from. They aren't designed for having lots of extra weight on top - they are usually much too thin - that's why they need "beefing up" if you are to put any sort of load on them.

Anything beyond a bit of boarding out will need some sort of building regs approval.

deano72_2

zax47 wrote: »

Ceiling joists are just that, designed to hang a ceiling from. They aren't designed for having lots of extra weight on top - they are usually much too thin - that's why they need "beefing up" if you are to put any sort of load on them.

Anything beyond a bit of boarding out will need some sort of building regs approval.

so whats the diffrence from boardig it out for storeing junk on & boarding it out to make light use of,so in theory even if you board it to put your decs/bits on bobs on & could overload it building regs should apply as you need to get into the loft to put it up there.any way i think il look into doing it properly as if/when i come to sale the place it should or be above board & wont have to dissmantle it all if theres some sort of regs/planing problem

fluffymuffy

Lofts are not for storage. A properly insulated loft will be too cold/hot and everything will get covered with fibre glass. Ceiling joists are sized to carry the ceiling - packs of boarding are very heavy before you load junk onto them and they squash the insulation such that it's no longer effective. I believe you should either convert the loft properly or leave it alone.

Tom_Jones

Pitlanepiglet wrote: »

Other than ensuring that it is safe - on which you should listen to your builder.

You only need comply with building regs if it is habitable space, ie a bedroom. If it's additional storage etc. then you can board it and do what you like without any reference to building regs.

What an absolute load of rubbish. If as the op says he want to put a drumkit/power in the loft it is classed as habitable and needs building regs. You don't need planning permission for up to 2 velux windows provided they are on the back of the house.

Pitlanepiglet

Tom_Jones wrote: »

What an absolute load of rubbish. If as the op says he want to put a drumkit/power in the loft it is classed as habitable and needs building regs. You don't need planning permission for up to 2 velux windows provided they are on the back of the house.

Apart from the fact you clearly didn't read my second post ...it's not rubbish, building regs only apply if it is habitable space. Whether it is habitable space or not is not based on either your or my opinion. There is nothing in the reg's that says "having a drum kit in your loft makes it habitable space". It will depend entirely on the complete use that the OP is planning to put the loft space to.

Speaking to one's planning authority is the best approach for Velux windows, some areas will have different rules and some householders may not have permitted development rights, so if we're taking rubbish - telling that he doesn't need PP for Velux windows in the rear of his roof won't be helpful to him if he lives in an area where his rights have been removed.