Low roof height loft conversions?

SarahLou

We're wanting to have a loft conversion done (if possible) - in the process of getting some quotes.

Anyway, many companies won't touch it due to the fact that our loft (at its maximum height in the middle) measures 5ft 11". Others have said that as a playroom it would be accepable (which is our ultimate aim - we don't need another bedroom but would like a "habitable" room with proper stairs if possible. (If we can squeeze another staircase into our landing anyway as its quite limited in space - will need some imagination!)

Sadly the pitch isn't great so the space is limited so we were thinking of having the "walls" boxed off for storage - basically cupboards put in, as we admit that the usable space up there isn't as great as those lucky people with big spaces in their lofts!

Just wanted to ask if anyone else has gone ahead with a conversion of any kind in their loft with similar head-heights? Most people suggest 1.2m or more but alas we just don't have this. Yet legally (I gather) there is no minimum requirement - so would we struggle to sell at any point in the future if we got all the building regs, etc. required?

Also, can I just ask what fire precautions/measures need considering? If we had a proper staircase put in, what would we need to do to pass the building regs requirement for fire safety?

(One local company does loft conversions to playrooms so long as the height in the middle of the roof is 5ft or more so they'll be coming out for a quote soon).

MsAnderson

Go to http://www.planningportal.gov.uk, then Planning Applications, then Building Regulations.

As has been said manys a time on these pages, you can do what you like, however if you want to use it as a room and it does not comply with regs and it goes on fire, or you want to sell, you will encounter difficulties.

You have kinda answered your own questions when you say loft conversion companies won't touch it, as it won't comply as a habitable room.

You can floor it and use the eaves as storage, but you can't call it a room as such. Have a wade thru the regs and get educated so you know what questions to ask any potential builder you may employ, it's in your interest to know what is right and what is wrong.

And be prepared for a lot of dust if you go ahead!!

Imp

Building regulations have a minimum head room over stair cases of 2m, so if you put in a stair case, you would have to find a way to achieve this.

Other than over stair cases, there is no minimum height.

SarahLou

Thank you both for your answers - shall take a good look through that website and try to work it all out. Also shall get up in the loft over the weekend (or send the hubby up!) and have a proper measure around to see if we can justify a staircase.