Loft floor definitely need strengthening?

Sprogger

Will my loft floor definitely need strengthening if I'm hoping to convert it to a bedroom? Does it involve scaffolding because this will be expensive?
I was hoping to do it myself bit by bit but I assume the strengthening part (along with the window and stairs) is for pros with the right equipment.
Are there some lofts that don't need to have this done?
I've already put chipboard down over 10 years ago to use the loft as storage and a gym (yes I know some will shocked!) without any visible problems whatsoever.
I'm in a typical looking terraced house in London, N15. I think they were built around the 1930s so I'm assuming it's a traditional rafter and purlin construction.
The important question that I can't seem to find an answer for: How cheap can floor strengthening cost on its own?
If you can help then I would be extremely grateful if you could let me know. Thank you.

phill99

Will my loft floor definitely need strengthening if I'm hoping to convert it to a bedroom? Does it involve scaffolding because this will be expensive?

None of us on here can give you the definitive answer for a whole range of reasons.

The definitive answer will only come from the Building Control Dept at your local authority. Just because it has been ok for the last 10 years, doesn't mean it is within current Building Regulations. You will need to call them.

ormus

most houses built before the last war will be ok to use the loft as a room without any additional strengthening of the joists.
modern houses are different.
the roof construction is very different, relies more on structural engineering (W truss/Fan truss etc) than the old over-engineered brute force methods.

FilthyLuka

In over 10 years I've only seen one loft conversion that didn't need the floor to be strengthened further (already 200x50mm), but there were still steel beams needed for the roof.

The overwhelming majority of houses will need the ceiling joists improving regardless of when they were built, 100x50 (4'x2's don't span very far as floor joists) and these are typical ceiling joist sizes

phill99 is correct in his post regarding contacting building control, there a a whole host of issues separate from the structural issues

tomfun

You need to speak to an architect and structural engineer if you are thinking of doing this yourself, the architect will do all the measurements and then the engineer will give you the joist size and centres to fix them.

Fitting a velux window is pretty easy and can be done from inside, the staircase is a bit more complicated , you need to know you floor to floor height and then either buy a standard staircase or get one made up for you.