Storage loft

DevonStroller

Hi all,

I live in a mid terrace 2 storey three bedroom house built in 1973. I'd like a loft conversion but the low roof height means it would have to be roof raise job and I just can't afford it. All I really want is to make better use of the loft for storage (clothes mainly). It's not for the kids to sleep in or play in or anything like that. I do want a fixed staircase though and I'd want to make more space by getting rid of some of the trusses (they'r not important are they?!)

The roof space has 9 'W'-type trusses one end to the other about 58cm apart. I don't want to be clambering around those. So first up, what are the options for me in terms of losing those trusses but maintaining the required load bearing integrity?

In terms of stairs, I'm thinking of those very steep, alternate tread stairs that would lead up from the landing (in place of the existing airing cupboard). Would these be legal given the circumstances and intentions described?

At the moment, the loft has no power, a few floorboards down and is basically an ugly mess. I'd like it decorated, powered (for light at least) with some built-in cupboards. So final question (appreciate it may be unanswerable given the scant information provided): How much?!

nickcc

The size and number of trusses would have been calculated when your house was built, removing any trusses could make your roof liable to collapse. If you want to modify the trusses I would contact a truss supplier and ask for a survey, using an Architect/engineer could prove to be a waste of money if they tell you to leave well alone.

Jnelhams

Get yourself 3 quotes from reputable local builders, ask to see example of previous work, and get a good suveyor!

Gloomendoom

As far as I recall, a fixed staircase means that building control will be interested.

You will need to consult a structural engineer about the roof trusses. If they weren't necessary, they probably wouldn't be there in the first place. That doesn't mean that they can't be removed but something else will need to be put in their place to support the roof. Building control will also be interested in any structural modifications to the roof.

DevonStroller

Thanks for the responses so far folks. In terms of the trusses, I'd read elsewhere that it might be possible to put in a couple of internal load bearing walls (running lengthwise perhaps?) to account for x number of trusses removed. So a structural engineer/surveyor seems like a sensible starting point. Cheers
Anyone done anything similar to this?

Ebe_Scrooge

This is sounding like a very expensive way to get a bit of extra storage space. I know what you mean about the roof trusses being in the way, I had a house like that, but just put up with it. I put down boarding wherever I could and it was perfectly useable.

As has been noted by previous posters, adding a permanent staircase opens up a whole can of worms with regards to planning and building regs.

If you're really only wanting it for storage, I'd have thought a loft ladder, a few bit of boarding and a couple of lights ( spurred off the upstairs lighting circuit, which is easily accessible from the loft ) would be a far cheaper option.

DevonStroller

Hi Ebe - I know what you mean about this being expensive for storage space. Some of the loft is floored already and I do have a drop down ladder but it is still very much a loft up there if you know what I mean, as opposed to a storage room. Ideally, I'd have proper cupboards and walls providing insulation and it would need to be somewhere I/we can get in and out of without the rigmarole (albeit minor I know) of opening a hatch, dropping a ladder, retriveing what we want and then stowing all away again). I'm willing to pay a few thousand pounds for this, such is my desperation for storage room, combined with my unwillingness to move house and inability to pay £50K for a full roof-raise loft conversion.
Is anyone able to confirm the regulatory implications of installing a fixed alternate tread staircase?

Ebe_Scrooge

Fair points. A thought occurred to me - if it really is just storage you need, would a very small extension at the back of the house be feasible ? Literally just a box room. This may actually work out cheaper than converting the loft. I don't know, but may be worth considering.

Regarding the staircase, I think the best thing is to have a word with your local council's planning department. I'm sure they'd be able to give you an idea over the phone. The main problem is that some "jobsworth's" will class it as a "habitable room" by dint of the fact that it's got a permanent stairway - even though it's patently obvious that it's not ! Being habitable makes it subject to all sorts of rules and regulations about lighting, ventilation, fire escape, etc. etc. I may be wrong - I hope I am ! - but that's why I think a chat with the council would be a good idea. At least then you'll know where you stand, and can decide whether it's going to be worth going ahead with it.

Edit. To satisfy my own curiosity, I did a bit of googling, and came across this :

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2170217

Post number 3 says "Putting in proper stairs does not transform the loft into a habitable room in the eyes of building control"

However, post number 8 says "... we've contacted local building control who say that in their view a permanent staircase makes the room above a habitable space, triggering the need to comply fully building regulations for a safe exit corridor and the Part K guidelines relating to staircases"

So I think it really is going to be a case of speaking with Building Control in the first instance. Maybe different councils have different rules ??

DevonStroller

Brilliant - thanks Ebe.

We are extremely restricted in room for expansion sadly! We've had a front porch built which has helped a lot and we could just about squeeze in a conservatory at the back maybe, though that looks very expensive for what we get.

I've been googling as well and have also identified that the fixed staircase is likely to be the deal maker/breaker when it comes to the issue of storage vs habitable space. Seems I'd have to forego any niceties such as finished walls (why?!) but that would be merely cosmetic.

I shall consult with my local planning folks and hope that I catch one in a good mood.

Thanks again