Boarding out a loft

Lgas

I own a new build house, just over 1 year old. When we were given our 'new home tour' they mentioned that we shouldn't store anything in the loft. Granted it's not huge and it's got thick insulation but this seems like such a waste of what could be useful storage space, is there a specific reason that they would advise against boarding it out and using it for light storage (eg xmas tree, empty suitcases)? I'm not sure if i'm imagining it but he may have mentioned the strength of the beams.

I will try and find the site manager one day, they've just finished the final part of the development up the road.

Gastines2

Consider the weight of the boarding plus the weight of your body when installing and then putting your light goods up there!!! If the builders advised you not to do so,then don't. Many new homes are constructed using the absolute minimum timber size on ceiling and roof trusses to keep costs down. One of the main reasons why you need a stuctural survey before converting any roof space, even on older buildings the joists usually have to be doubled up with another thicker joists bolted on or even steel plates on the sides. Your loft could end up in your bedroom if you ignore the builders advice.

Hofmeister

Rightly or wrongly, i have done it on the last 5 new build houses i have owned, and had no issues. My only advice is to use screws not nails, and i also only did half the loft. Also make sure that you don't board on top of cables etc....

Cat2011

I boarded my new build loft too. Again, only half boarded, and it just has a few small chairs and some camping stuff up there, nothing too heavy. Used loft panels from Homebase and screws, and also had to cut out some sections to go around cables.

Lgas

Thanks for the replies, very different opinions there :think: I would only do half the loft as I don't need it all done but maybe I should seek professional advice on this one!