Loft conversion DIY

DWMASG

I own / live in a 1 bed flat and the loft is partly floored and has power allready. I intended to finish the job with stud walling and insulation as needed.
I know the Council laws on conversions has been dropped a bit, but wondered if theres any problems that may occur. Theres no structual changes and I also wondered if its actually classed as an extra bedroom, which I could possibly let out ?

Unfortunately I do not think sky light windows would be allowed.

Thanks

mummyroysof3

Unless its done to building regs than it can't officially be a bedroom. Good for an office and storage though

DWMASG

mummyroysof3 wrote: »

Unless its done to building regs than it can't officially be a bedroom. Good for an office and storage though

Would it classed as okay for my use as a bedroom and then I could rent the official one down stairs ?

As an owner, thought this may pass ?

Cheers

mummyroysof3

Not sure about that tbh all I know is to sell as a bedroom it needs regs due to floor strength and fire safety. You could use it however you want while there but if you rent a room out I don't know if all house has to up to scratch or not.

We were looking into putting a bedroom in out loft but cost and hassle of doing it right was too much and doing a badge job was out of the question due to the safety aspect as I wouldn't put our child's life in danger

SailorSam

This is what you were talking about with the change of law. I think you'll still need to do the work good enough to pass the building regulations though. Give the planning department of your local Council a ring and ask.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2775933/Loft-conversion-planning-permission-laws-relaxed-for-homeowners.html

mummyroysof3

Yes but it's important to remember the council permission and building regs are 2 very different things. We wouldn't have needed planning permission from the council but would have needed building regs to sign off on the steel beams to be calculated and inserted and all changes to comply with fire safety

SternMusik

DWMASG wrote: »

I own / live in a 1 bed flat and the loft is partly floored and has power allready. I intended to finish the job with stud walling and insulation as needed.

I assume you own the leasehold of the flat? Does your lease include the loft space? Have you checked if you need the freeholder's permission to do the work?

chickaroonee

You'll still need building regs approval for it, even if you sleep in it yourself.

scottishblondie

On top of all the other issues already mentioned, the lack of building regs and planning permission will cause you issues when you sell. Plus there are the structural issues - is the building actually strong enough to support you doing this? Putting the flooring and plasterboard up there is one thing, but adding in furniture, books, TV and then people moving around... you could end up crashing through into the rooms below!

G_M

You MUST get Building Regs certification.

These are there for safety reasons, as well as to ensure properties keep to required insulationlevels etc.

Just as an example, an attic is designed/built to be an empty space(or a bit of storage). If you put in a bed, some firniture, wardrobe, books, and a person, the floor may collapse!

Building Regs ensure, amongst many other things, that the structure is safe.

And having the certificate means when you sell, your buyer knows it is safe, and was not a 'cowboy job' (which is what you are planning!)

££sc££

1 bed maisonette - is the roof space definitely included in your lease? - even if you have sole access from your flat.