Loft Conversions
You can do a great deal to your loft space without even contacting the council. You can add up to 50 cubic meters of space to semis and detached houses, or 40 cubic meters to terraced properties. The extensions must be at the back of the property and any previous roof space additions that have been added since your home was originally constructed must be deducted from the volume allowance. You are not allowed to extend beyond the plane of the existing front elevation roof slope if you front a highway and any extension must be no higher than the highest part of the existing roof (usually the ridge). This is important as you need a minimum of 190cm landing height at the top of any staircase to comply with building regulations. If there isn’t enough height within the existing pitched roof then you may have to consider lowering the ceiling on the first floor, this doesn’t have to be as costly or intrusive as it sounds. A fire door is also essential to provide separation between floors to comply with building regulations. However, this can be fitted at the bottom of the staircase creating a greater sense of space in the loft room. Many of our clients go for hidden sliding doors.
The typical Victorian or Edwardian terraced or semi detached property often has an additional section sticking out at the back which is usually slightly lower that the loft of the main house and has a flat or shed roof. This can also be utilised within the cubic meter allowances and is perfect for a bathroom or additional bedroom where space permits. Hip to gable loft conversions are also covered under permitted development rights. Many of our clients are surprised to see how a loft conversion can add value to the property over and above the build cost. Get in touch today using our handy contact us form or call 020 3844 5829 for a free no obligation quotation.