Fire safety

Mrs_Thrify

Hiya, OH and I are looking for a 4 bed semi. The ones we have seen mostly have the master bedroom and en-suite in what was the loft. I have noted a problem with theese as the sloping roof does not accomodate a wardrobe. This is not my question though! I would like to know if we should be asking questions about fire safety? The few we have seen have 2 lots of stairs. Should there be a fire door? or some kind of escape route as we all know fire rises.Just planning for the new house and hope the situation will never arise.

Thanks for any replies.... Julie

thesaint

You should be asking questions, it's too late after a fire.

Usually these conversions have "Velux" windows that can be opened fully for escape in an emergency.

Doozergirl

You should have fire doors throughout the house really. At least a fire door as a break between each level. I'd expect to be able to fit out of the window without too much effort for when the handsome fireman comes to rescue me.

As for sloping ceilings, if you build a wardrobe right across that goes with the sloping, rather than try to fit in a regular sized one, you'll find you can fit a lot of stuff in it! I had one that was fantastic. You don't need it full height all the way. Dresses in the highest part and everything else to the sides. You can build in shelving and all sorts. Ledge and brace doors stained or painted with the colour scheme will work easily, rather than trying to get fancy doors made up.

sooz

check to see if it's a loft conversion or a loft room.

a conversion will have been done properly. there will have to be a fire door at the top of the stairs, and a low velux that is nearly at floor level (to climb out of to get to the fire brigade).

there should also be door closers on all the doors (if converted pre-april when they removed this reg, I think) and there should be a wired in smoke alarm on each floor.

Doozergirl

You don't need a low velux There's a minimum height as well as a maximum for general safety.

thesaint

sooz,

I understand what you're saying, but it doesn't matter what it's called.
Just because it's called a 'conversion' doesn't mean it's done properly.

The same checks need to be done whatever the Estate Agents call it.

pinkshoes

The velux (not necessarily floor level) should be one of the large ones that hinge at the top and open fully so that you can climb out onto the roof! When looking round, open them up and have a look at what you can climb out onto!!

There should also be weighted hinges on the doors so they close automatically.

sooz

don't check with the estate agents...check with the vendors! A conversion will have paperwork, a loft room wont.

and i don't know exactly what our window is called, but it looks like a low velux, but opens differently. we have another normal velux above it.

thesaint

sooz wrote: »

don't check with the estate agents...check with the vendors! A conversion will have paperwork, a loft room wont.

and i don't know exactly what our window is called, but it looks like a low velux, but opens differently. we have another normal velux above it.

What I am trying to impress on the OP is that it does not matter what it is called, and who calls it what.

The piece of paper is worth exactly 'that' in an emergency.

They need to check what is there, and if it is a practical barrier/escape route in the event of a fire.

Mrs_Thrify

Gosh! what a lot to think about. Look for a fire door as you enter this loft bedroom and open the windows to see if you can climb out!Enquire how old the boiler is (expence). I have started to take a questionare on a clip board, to note down state of roof, guttering, where the meters/ water tank is. Colour of bathrooms and what I think needs decorating/replacing. Like a new conservatory. I have also noted some houses now have the dinning room table in the conservatory. Any sheds/greenhouse, state of fence.

Still hoping for a sale on mine though :rolleyes: Julie

sooz

true- paperwork will be little help in an emergency, but building regs & a completion certificate means it met current fire regs when it was converted.

I believe current advice generally is to switch everything off & close all doors when going to bed, to protect your exit from the building.