Loft conversion regs etc

TamsinC

The house we are buying has a 'loft conversion' (well the attic in a one story section, has been boarded, lined, insulated, velux window installed etc) but with a drop down ladder and hatch. We would like to add a permanent ladder and use it as an occasional room. fairly certain the owner did it himself and there will be no buildings cert. a) how would I go about getting one if it is confirmed there isn't and b) would I need buildings regs to install a permanent staircase etc.? Any advice grateful received.

TheCyclingProgrammer

It will almost certainly not satisfy building regs. It!!!8217;s not a room, it!!!8217;s a posh storage space. Fire safety has to be your main consideration (eg means of escape) even if you want to use it as an occasional hobby space. I certainly wouldn!!!8217;t consider making it a bedroom.

TamsinC

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

It will almost certainly not satisfy building regs. It!!!8217;s not a room, it!!!8217;s a posh storage space. Fire safety has to be your main consideration (eg means of escape) even if you want to use it as an occasional hobby space. I certainly wouldn!!!8217;t consider making it a bedroom.

Would we be allowed to pop a proper staircase up though - I struggle with the ladder and its a lovely space for a hobby room (present owners use it as a yoga room/sewing room) Fire safety wise coming down the ladder it's about 6m to an external door in one direction and 12m to another in another direction..

Doozergirl

TamsinC wrote: »

Would we be allowed to pop a proper staircase up though - I struggle with the ladder and its a lovely space for a hobby room (present owners use it as a yoga room/sewing room) Fire safety wise coming down the ladder it's about 6m to an external door in one direction and 12m to another in another direction..

You can put a proper staircase in if it, and the rest of the "conversion" comply with the regulations for a loft conversion.

A conversion is a structural buildong project that involves a structural engineer's input into the strength of the existing structure, a number of steels, proper insulation, head height up and at the top of the stairs, means of escape throughout the house.

The ceiling joists to hold up the plaster of the rooms below are not designed to take the weight of a room above. They need reinforcement and the roof structure itself often needs altering with different supports.

Expensive and not to be taken lightly. It is a matter of safety.

sevenhills

TamsinC wrote: »

would I need buildings regs to install a permanent staircase etc.? Any advice grateful received.

A staircase can be quite cheap, £2/300, but I would expect the fitting of it and all the other work involved would be really costly.


https://www.stairbox.com/staircase-blog/much-space-need-loft-stairs/

TamsinC

Doozergirl wrote: »

You can put a proper staircase in if it, and the rest of the "conversion" comply with the regulations for a loft conversion.

A conversion is a structural buildong project that involves a structural engineer's input into the strength of the existing structure, a number of steels, proper insulation, head height up and at the top of the stairs, means of escape throughout the house.

The ceiling joists to hold up the plaster of the rooms below are not designed to take the weight of a room above. They need reinforcement and the roof structure itself often needs altering with different supports.

Expensive and not to be taken lightly. It is a matter of safety.

Perfect thank you