Attic Conversion

Jemma1984

Thanks for the advice.
The space had windows fitted with relevant permission as picked up in the sale and the stairs included in the price but overall the area was sold as an attic nothing more than this.
We have managed to get some builders to come out tonight who have said the space is ideal to convert but to get building regs out and have given us a telephone number.

brightontraveller

the_r_sole wrote: »

I really hope that you don't dish out that advice often!
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/buildingregulations/approvalneeded/

Altering a roof structure to create an opening for a stair requires approval, it also has knock on implications for fire safety in some circumstances.

You are plain wrong.

Read there post your "Altering a roof structure to create an opening" That's not what there posting .... Learn the difference ask an architect, trouble with the net is people that have little knowledge find out half things and jump on that as the only way...? What needs permission and what doesn't is clear if you understand the regulations and compliance is only relevant if planning /building control etc is required ,,,, ..Even when you do they through in different definitions and acceptance of what stairs are???? Materials, Suspended , Spiral, Helical, Fixed ladders etc[FONT=&quot] Don’t confuse stairs that are part of a [/FONT][FONT=&quot]planning application[/FONT][FONT=&quot] with ones that are not....
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System

brightontraveller wrote: »

Read there post ask an architect, your "Altering a roof structure to create an opening" there not posting they ....:rotfl:You need to learn the difference ???? Compliance is only relevant if planning /building control etc is required :rotfl:

Please find me any guidance anywhere that says you do not require to meet building regulations when you are installing a set of stairs to access a newly formed space, having designed numerous loft conversions where a stair opening generally requires altering a structural element, I am well aware of the regs that govern such alterations in terms of the regulations/required approvals (and further implications if you are creating access to a third floor) - your advice is incorrect and dangerous and you really need to understand what the exemptions from regulation approval actually means if you are going to dish out poor advice with no backup whatsoever... Luckily the op has been advised by their builder to contact building control and hasn't taken ridiculous advice from you

System

brightontraveller wrote: »

You can put in stairs or whatever you like without planning etc but it won't be classified as a bedroom which most are wanting to increase sale price etc without all relevant paperwork...

This is possibly the worst piece of advice I have seen on here, unbelievable, it ticks all the boxes of misunderstanding the roles of local authorities, the designation of rooms in a dwelling and what building regulations are actually there for!

System

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/loftconversion/

Doozergirl

brightontraveller wrote: »

You can make any alterations internally nothing to do with anyone( listed building etc slightly different….) Its only when you sell and want something defined as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen etc that you may have a problem...

You are either wrong or not sufficiently knowledgeable to explain yourself clearly.

Building regulations have nothing to do with classifying something as a particular kind of room or even to do with when you sell. It is about safety and quality assurance, not selling houses. This is naive at best, dangerous at worst.

Building Regulations need to be complied with wherever you do something that requires compliance.

I would never advise the OP to put the stairs in without BR sign off as the intention is clearly to use it as a room at some point and stairs for loft conversions aren't always easy to get to comply.

Stairs and ladders themselves need to comply with building regulations if they are fixed - in going, rise, protection to the sides from falls and headheight. It's covered comprehensively in Part K of the building regulations.

You will also affect the thermal efficiency of the building by creating a permanent opening. This, to me, kicks in the need to insulate the rafters.

It's fine to do things slowly and in order. It isn't okay to start and think about compliance when you're halfway down the road. That could prove pretty expensive and false economy.

brightontraveller

the_r_sole wrote: »

Please find me any guidance anywhere that says you do not require to meet building regulations when you are installing a set of stairs to access a newly formed space, having designed numerous loft conversions where a stair opening generally requires altering a structural element, I am well aware of the regs that govern such alterations in terms of the regulations/required approvals (and further implications if you are creating access to a third floor) - your advice is incorrect and dangerous and you really need to understand what the exemptions from regulation approval actually means if you are going to dish out poor advice with no backup whatsoever... Luckily the op has been advised by their builder to contact building control and hasn't taken ridiculous advice from you

Ask an architect :rotfl:

Doozergirl

brightontraveller wrote: »

Ask an architect :rotfl:

Is that a joke? Why are we laughing?

brightontraveller

Doozergirl wrote: »

You are either wrong or not sufficiently knowledgeable to explain yourself clearly. .

I'd give a third option there to dumb to understand... Ask an architect or if you want me to provide you with all the relevant information happy to do so for a fee... You answered it yourself "Building Regulations need to be complied with wherever you do something that requires compliance". Putting stairs, ladder, whatever to an attic to use as an attic doesn’t require anything...

Doozergirl wrote: »

Building regulations have nothing to do with classifying something as a particular kind of room or even to do with when you sell. It is about safety and quality assurance, not selling houses. This is naive at best, dangerous at worst." .

???? Safety and quality building control now that's naive just look at what they pass:rotfl:

Doozergirl

Correction. *too dumb to understand.

I always think people who apparantly laugh at people during a serious discussion and throw insults show themselves up.

If you FIX stairs or a ladder in your house, it needs to comply. If a child can easily access it and potentially fall, it goes to say that there is going to be some safety element to comply with. That means permanently compliant, or easily removed away.

If you open your loft to the rest of the house permanently it affects thermal performance, the loft will need insulating above the opening, or the opening would need to be closed.

A pogo stick or a foldaway loft ladder and hatch will not need to comply. A pogo stick will not help you access your suitcases or Christmas decorations either. A folding ladder will not contribute helpfully to the planned eventual loft conversion.