The government introduced relaxations to planning permission alongside Permitted Development in the Town and Country Planning Act of 1948. Permitted Development Rights allow homeowners to extend their properties up to a certain percentage without requiring full planning permission, provided they adhere to specific rules and regulations. In 2008, a review of Permitted Development rights aimed to stimulate growth in the building sector, resulting in a temporary relaxation of these rules. The scope of work permissible under Permitted Development rights varies depending on factors such as location and previous building works undertaken.

Permitted Development Rules for Loft Conversions:

• The volume of any roof space created must not exceed 50m³ for detached and semi-detached houses, and 40m³ for terraced houses.
• Loft extensions are not covered under Permitted Development for houses on designated land.
• No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the existing roof.
• Side-facing windows in loft conversions must be obscure glazed and non-opening unless the opening parts are positioned more than 1.7 meters above the floor.
• Extensions beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation facing a highway are not considered Permitted Development.
• Loft conversion dormers, except for hip to gable ones, must be set back at least 20cms from the eaves and cannot overhang the outer face of the original house’s wall.
• Verandas, balconies, or raised platforms are not permitted under Permitted Development.
• Materials used in the conversion should be similar in appearance to the existing house.
• If bats are present, no conversion work can be undertaken, as bats are a protected species.

Despite being under Permitted Development, loft conversions must adhere to Building Regulations. Additionally, properties categorized as listed buildings or located in designated areas such as Conservation Areas or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty do not have Permitted Development rights.

Your bespoke loft staircase is crucial to the success of your loft conversion. A poorly designed or incorrectly placed staircase can affect both the conversion and the overall aesthetics and functionality of your home. The loft staircase serves as an initial impression for visitors, making it essential to seamlessly integrate it into your home’s design.

There are many staircase designs to consider, including whether to incorporate a Curtail tread or a bullnose and deciding whether the first two treads should start before fixing a newel, among others.

Regulations and Specifications:

• Headroom Clearance: Minimum of 2 meters when stepping off the last tread. In special circumstances, this can be reduced to 1.9 meters at the center, provided the staircase’s side (String) remains at least 1.8 meters high.
• Dimensions: Maximum rise (height) of 220mm, minimum going (tread depth) of 220mm, and a maximum pitch of 42°.
• Handrails: Required on at least one side, set at a height of 900mm. No openings between spindles should allow a gap of more than 100mm in the rake or balustrade.

Means of Escape from a Loft Conversion
When converting a roof space into habitable rooms at the second-floor level, compliance with emergency escape provisions is essential:

• Escape Routes: Existing stairways/stairwells at ground and first-floor levels must be enclosed and open directly to a final exit or a space providing two escape routes.
• New Stairway Compliance: Must meet regulatory requirements, including separation from new rooms and the rest of the house by fire-resisting construction.
• Protection of Escape Routes: Guardrails over balconies or flat roofs, and hard-wired smoke alarms with battery backup in habitable rooms off the escape route.

Access to and from Your Loft Conversion
Stairs leading to a loft room must comply with Building Regulations, escape requirements, and fire protection standards. Loft ladders should not be used for access to habitable rooms on the roof, except for storage purposes.

In cases where headroom is insufficient at the top of the staircase, a VELUX roof window can provide additional height, light, and ventilation. Alternatively, a dropped landing can be created to achieve the required head height while adding a unique design feature.

Optimizing Views from Your Loft Conversion
Roof windows play a crucial role in maximizing views from a loft conversion. Velux roof windows, which follow the pitch of the roof and can open inwards or outwards, are commonly installed for their ability to bring in natural light. Dormer windows, typically integrated into rear dormers, feature full-height windows from floor to ceiling, providing abundant light and expansive views.

Advantages of Converting Your Attic
A loft conversion offers numerous benefits, including the creation of additional living space and the potential to increase property value by over 20%. Whether transformed into a workspace, games room, bedroom, or living room, a well-converted loft adds value to your home. Additionally, homeowners can generate income by using their lofts as lodger rooms.

Fire Safety in a Loft Conversion
Fire safety considerations are paramount in loft conversions. Provisions for escape routes must be made throughout the full extent of the route, necessitating additional fire protection for existing parts of the house. Fire-resistant doors and partitions may be required, particularly when converting a two-storey house into a three-storey home. Interlinked smoke detection circuits and sprinkler systems can further enhance fire safety measures.

By adhering to these regulations and considerations, you can ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing loft conversion.

From our initial contact, we will schedule a convenient time to visit your home and discuss your loft conversion needs. Each conversion is customized to your specifications, ensuring maximum comfort and versatility in your living space. Our main loft conversion options include Velux/Rooflight Conversions, Hip to Gable Conversions, and the popular Rear Dormer Conversion, all designed to optimize floor area. For flat roof dormers, we use seamless rubber membrane covering, although a Cat Slide roof can be chosen if preferred.

After our visit, we will provide you with a written and fixed-price proposal for your loft conversion. If you choose Another Level of Loft Conversions as your partner, we will arrange for our architect to conduct a structural survey and prepare plans for approval. Once you approve the plans, we will submit them to building control along with structural calculations to obtain full approval.

On the agreed start date, materials will be delivered, and construction will commence. After installing steels and primary beams, we will begin constructing the floor and determining the floor-to-floor height before ordering your bespoke staircase to match. Next, we will upgrade the roof structure and install Velux roof windows, followed by insulation to meet current regulations.

With the structure in place, we will build internal walls to create the rooms you desire. After completing the walls, we will carefully cut out the stairwell aperture and install your bespoke staircase. Once the staircase is in place, we will finish any remaining joinery work before our experienced plasterers begin, ensuring a smooth finish for your new loft space.

Regulations stipulate specific requirements for glazed areas in loft conversions to ensure that habitable rooms receive adequate daylight and have a view outside. It is generally recommended to have a minimum glazed area equivalent to 1/10 of the floor area.

Roof windows and dormer windows can meet these requirements without significantly altering the roof’s appearance. However, planning approval may be needed if a roof overlooks a public highway or if any part of the roof projects above the existing roof plane. In sensitive areas such as conservation areas, recessed roof windows may be preferred over standard ones.

Advantages of Loft Conversions
Loft conversions offer a cost-effective alternative to moving home. At Another Level of Loft Conversions, we customize projects to fit your individual needs, ensuring your loft space aligns perfectly with your vision. Whether you’re looking for an additional bedroom, office, or home theater, our experienced team guarantees satisfaction with the final results.

Planning Legislation for Loft Conversions

Building Regulations:
All loft conversions must adhere to Building Regulations, which set standards for design and construction. Permitted Development Rights under the Town & Country Planning Act allow certain alterations without planning permission, provided specific conditions are met.

Alterations fall under two classes:

• Class A: Enlargement, improvements, or alterations of dwellings generally.
• Class B: Enlargement or conversion involving additions or alterations to the roof.

The main goals of planning control are to prevent excessive increases in house volume and changes in roof shape that could affect the visual relationship with neighboring properties. Planning permission is not needed if converting the roof within its existing height and shape, but it is required if the total increased volume exceeds statutory limits or if there is a change of use.

Permitted Development Rights:
These rights are restricted in conservation areas, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and for listed buildings. Any alteration that affects appearance in these contexts requires planning permission or listed building consent.

Applying for Planning Permission and Building Control
If planning consent is required, you must apply to the local authority, detailing how the design will affect the building’s appearance. Building Regulation consent can be obtained via:

• Full Plans Application: Involves submitting detailed plans and calculations.
• Building Notice: Requires less documentation but may prompt requests for additional information from the Building Control Surveyor.

Fees apply for both types of applications, and compliance with regulations is verified through site visits during construction. Whether you choose a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice, ensuring that the loft conversion meets all necessary regulatory requirements is crucial.

When adding a new bathroom to a loft conversion, several specific provisions must be considered:

Height and Water Supplies:

• Ensure adequate headroom in the bathroom area.
• Plan for hot and cold water supplies, considering the need for maintenance access to relocated water tanks in void areas.

Drainage:

• The position of existing drainage will influence the placement of sanitary fittings.
• For long pipe runs from the hot water cylinder and appliances with occasional use (e.g., guest bathrooms), electric instantaneous water heaters may be a suitable alternative.
• Maximum permitted lengths for unvented branch connections must be observed. If branch pipes exceed these limits, they must be directly ventilated to external air or terminated inside the building with an air admittance valve (AAV). AAVs reduce the need for roof or external wall openings and minimize required pipework.

Structural Stability

New Structural Members:

• New structural elements or alterations should be supervised by a structural engineer to ensure the stability of both the existing and new structures.
• Building Control may require formal calculations to support approval and verify structural integrity.

Sound Insulation
Walls Between Dwellings:

• Ensure adequate airborne sound insulation for walls separating different dwellings.
• Existing separating walls might need lining to provide equivalent sound insulation if converted into occupied space.
• Fill gaps in walls and seal timber frames to minimize sound transmission.

Ventilation
Windows and Background Ventilation:

• Windows in habitable rooms should be proportionate to the floor area to ensure adequate background ventilation.
• Bathrooms require both opening windows and mechanical ventilation fans.
• Maintain ventilation provisions to prevent condensation. This might include enhancing eaves ventilation and installing a vapour control layer on walls and sloping ceilings to manage moisture.
• Adequate room ventilation is crucial to prevent water vapour buildup and avoid condensation issues.

Ensuring proper provisions for height, water supply, drainage, structural stability, sound insulation, and ventilation is essential for a successful loft conversion.

Insulation Requirements:

Any habitable area within the roof space must adhere to current National Regulations for insulation. This can involve insulating the entire roof pitch from ridge to eaves or focusing insulation around the new accommodation. The former method is more complex and requires more insulation material, especially at the roof apex. The latter method reduces the amount of insulation needed but requires insulation of walls and parts of the sloping ceiling and horizontal ceiling over the habitable space.

Gable walls within the roof accommodation must also meet thermal requirements for external walls. This can be achieved with insulated plasterboard or by inserting mineral wool insulation between studs in timber-frame construction.

Fire Resistance:

All loft conversions must meet fire resistance standards outlined in National Regulations. This primarily involves ensuring that upper floor ceilings converted to new floor construction achieve the required fire resistance, typically 30 minutes.

Fire resistance requirements extend to any member supporting a floor, including areas beyond the actual floor space, such as between the outer wall of a loft space and the external wall at the eaves. If the roof space serves a different occupancy, such as a separate flat, a higher level of fire resistance may be necessary, often 60 minutes.

For loft spaces with chimneys or flues, new construction must comply with space separation requirements for combustible materials. Nails, screws, or other metal fixtures attaching timber to a masonry chimney should maintain a safe distance from the flue.

Surface Spread of Flame:

Walls and ceilings within the roof space must adhere to appropriate surface spread of flame requirements. Plasterboard typically meets these requirements. Any surface sloping at an angle of 70 degrees or more to the horizontal is considered a wall in terms of flame spread regulations.

Opting for a loft conversion offers a practical solution for expanding your living space without encroaching on your land, particularly your garden. Moving upward instead of outward preserves your outdoor space, which is especially valuable for those who cherish their gardens. Additionally, many homeowners prefer to remain in the same neighborhood even when seeking more space, making a loft conversion a financially advantageous alternative to moving, especially considering the costs associated with stamp duty.

Another compelling reason for considering a loft conversion is the potential to create a “granny flat.” Instead of opting for a retirement home for elderly family members, some families prefer to keep their loved ones close by creating a living space in the loft. This arrangement allows for proximity while still maintaining separate areas within the house. Moreover, the cost of building a loft conversion is often much lower than the expenses associated with a retirement home, offering a more affordable and comfortable option.

Moreover, investing in a loft conversion can significantly increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell. The additional living space and functionality added by the conversion can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, thereby enhancing its market value.

It’s widely acknowledged that Velux® windows stand as the global leader in roof window manufacturing, offering a range of options to suit various needs. Among the main types are top hung and center pivot windows, available in multiple sizes and finishes such as white painted, pine, and polyurethane. Polyurethane windows are particularly suitable for humid environments like bathrooms.

The top hung window operates with a handle positioned at the bottom of the frame, allowing it to open fully outwards, making it an excellent choice for loft conversions. This window type is suitable for roof pitches ranging between 15° and 55°.

On the other hand, the center pivot roof window features a handle at the top, making it convenient for placing furniture underneath as it pivots at the center point. This type of window is also compatible with roof pitches ranging from 15° to 90°.

For added convenience and comfort, the Velux Integra® window offers remote-controlled operation, allowing users to open each window with a simple touch of a button, catering to pitches between 15° and 90°.

For those seeking a dramatic addition to their loft conversion, Velux Cabrio® balcony windows offer an innovative solution. These expansive windows open in seconds to create a stunning balcony design, providing captivating views. They are suitable for pitches between 35° and 53°.

Each Velux® window is assigned a specific code indicating its type and features. For instance, a GGU SK06 (114cm x 118cm) represents a center pivot window in polyurethane, while the GPL SK06 denotes a top hung window in pine. Similarly, window flashing kits, such as the EDW SK06 and EDP, are essential for proper installation, with different kits catering to various tile profiles. Therefore, selecting the correct window type and flashing kit is crucial for ensuring a seamless fit for your home.

Opting for a loft conversion typically aims at securing that much-needed extra bedroom, and if you’re fortunate, it may even include an en-suite bathroom. This not only grants you a tranquil sanctuary at the top of your home but also helps in keeping the kids out of your hair. However, there’s a myriad of reasons why homeowners choose to convert their lofts, with the trend shifting towards creating a study, especially as more people embrace remote work arrangements. The convenience of simply walking upstairs to your office is undeniable. Yet, the possibilities extend beyond that to crafting rooms, cinemas, playrooms, living spaces, or spare rooms for guests.

Your seemingly cold and neglected loft space holds immense potential, waiting to be unlocked through imaginative design. Visualize lying down and gazing up through your new Velux roof windows at the evening sky, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.

Incorporating a bathroom into the loft area adds an extra layer of complexity. Ideally, the new loft bathroom should be located near or above the existing soil pipe to ensure proper waste disposal. If accessibility to the soil pipe is limited, a macerator comes to the rescue, efficiently moving waste to the main soil stack. Macerators function by using high-speed rotary blades to pump waste solids into liquids, offering a practical solution when conventional gravity-based drainage isn’t feasible.

For those considering a music room, soundproofing becomes essential. This involves utilizing soundproof plasterboard and acoustic loft insulation in the floor and walls to minimize noise transmission. Similarly, transforming your loft into a playroom not only delights the kids but also provides you with some much-needed tranquility. Whether it’s for indulging in hobbies like painting, crafting, or collecting, your loft conversion offers endless possibilities for personalization and creativity.

The height of your roof greatly influences the spaciousness of the room below. Houses constructed before the 1960s typically feature traditional loft structures, making them easier to convert due to their design. For such lofts, a minimum height of 2.2m from the top of the existing floor/ceiling joists to the underside of the ridge beam is required.

From the 1960s onward, modern trusses became prevalent, with the 7 Node fink truss being a common choice for standard homes. This truss comprises tension and compression webbing, which should not be removed until new supports, primarily steel, are installed to reinforce the roof. Truss loft conversions, while more demanding due to the existing framework, are still feasible. For truss rafter roof conversions, a minimum height of 2.4m from the ceiling joist to the underside of the truss (gang plate) is necessary.

When embarking on a loft conversion, safety is paramount. Adhering to loft safety guidelines and building regulations ensures the safety of everyone involved in the project. Secure footing is essential during construction, often achieved by laying floorboard sheets until the work in that area is completed. Installing a bespoke staircase is another critical step, requiring careful handling to ensure proper alignment of risers and treads and ensuring the integral newels are plumb.

Your dusty attic may seem unremarkable now, but with a touch of imagination and creativity, it can be transformed into anything you desire. A loft bedroom is a popular choice for conversion, offering a private sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. Picture lying in bed, gazing up at the stars through your window, or enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep undisturbed by household noise.

Integrating a bathroom into your loft conversion adds complexity, particularly concerning toilet installation. Ideally, toilets should be positioned near a soil pipe for proper waste disposal. If the soil pipe is too distant, a macerator can be installed to facilitate waste movement to the main soil stack.

Transforming your loft into a playroom is a hit with both children and parents. Soundproofing the walls with soundproof boarding and installing acoustic loft insulation help contain noise, providing peace and quiet for the rest of the household. A playroom offers storage space for toys and grants older children a sense of independence.

With an additional room in your home, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re passionate about collecting trains, painting, or pursuing any hobby, a loft conversion allows you to create your personal haven without disturbing others in the household. Designating the loft as a home office is also a popular choice, catering to various needs and preferences.

Introducing New Floor Joists in a Loft Conversion

Introducing new floor joists in a loft conversion requires careful planning to ensure structural integrity. Existing ceiling joists are typically inadequate to serve as floor joists, so installing new, deeper joists between existing ones is necessary. Support for existing ceiling joists may also be required during this process. Additionally, new steel beams may need to be positioned above the existing ceiling to provide support for the new floor joists.

Partition Loads and Floor Openings

Partition loads in the roof space should not rely solely on the floor decking for support. Additional joists may be necessary to support internal non-load-bearing partitions, particularly those running parallel to the floor joists. When creating floor openings for stair access, heavy loads are imposed on trimmers. Proper support, such as doubling joists or framing stair openings onto load-bearing walls or beams, is essential to distribute these loads effectively.

Flooring in the Loft Conversion

For flooring in a loft conversion, floorboards should be securely fastened with screws and adequately supported to prevent vibration and damage to existing plaster ceilings. Tongued and grooved flooring is commonly used in loft conversions due to its stability and durability.

Insulating the Loft Conversion

Insulating the loft conversion properly is crucial for energy efficiency and soundproofing. Acoustic insulation in partition walls can help reduce noise transmission, while soundproof plasterboard can be used to further enhance soundproofing. Insulation should be applied to all walls, including those with fixed doors, for optimal thermal and acoustic performance.

Beam Supports

Beam supports are essential for structural stability. Beams can be built into existing walls or supported with heavy-duty galvanized steel hangers. Timber beams should not be built into external masonry walls, and only timber posts or studs should support timber beams in timber frame walls.

Installing Roof Rafters

When installing roof rafters in a loft conversion, select them based on building control span tables and ensure they are properly supported. Considerations such as effective rafter span, overall rafter length, and structural upgrades may be necessary depending on the specific requirements of the conversion.

Roof Windows in a Loft Conversion

Roof windows play a vital role in providing natural light and ventilation in a loft conversion. Both centre-pivot and top-hung windows offer accessibility for cleaning and maintenance. Proper installation of roof windows can help reduce the total roof load while maintaining structural integrity.

In summary, a successful loft conversion requires careful planning, adherence to building regulations, and attention to detail in every aspect of the construction process, from floor joists to roof windows.

Bats in the Roof Space and Legal Considerations

Bats in the roof space pose unique challenges for loft conversions due to legal protections afforded to these animals. Contacting organizations like The Bat Conservation Trust for advice is crucial when planning work that may affect bat roosts. In the UK, all bats and their roosts are protected by law, making it illegal to harm or disturb them.

Roof Beams in a Loft Conversion

When converting a loft, careful consideration must be given to the support structure, especially when removing existing purlins and supports. Alternative support methods may include inserting new purlins, adding a ridge beam, or using fabricated timber or steel beams for longer spans.

Means of Escape

A loft conversion that adds habitable rooms at the second-floor level must comply with strict emergency escape provisions. This includes enclosing stairways, providing multiple escape routes, and installing fire-resistant construction materials. Smoke alarms and sprinkler systems may also be required.

Loft Conversion Process

The loft conversion process involves several steps, including erecting scaffolding, installing primary beams and floor joists, constructing dormers if necessary, upgrading the roof structure for roof windows, insulating and plasterboarding the space, and completing second-fix work for electrics, plumbing, and plastering. Each step requires careful planning and execution to ensure a successful conversion.

Loft conversions typically experience low heat losses due to stringent insulation requirements. Adding additional radiators to the existing central heating system should not pose a problem if the boiler has sufficient capacity. However, if the conversion is part of a larger refurbishment, installing a new central heating system may be more feasible. In cases where pipework is inaccessible, electrical radiators can be a viable option for heating the new loft room.

Modern Roofing Solutions for Loft Conversions

Gone are the days of hot bitumen and felt for flat roofs. EPDM Firestone RubberCover™ is the new standard for flat roof dormer conversions. Comprising two layers of rubber compressed together, this system offers unparalleled resistance to ozone and UV radiation, even in extreme temperatures, with a life expectancy exceeding 50 years. Firestone RubberCover™ has been installed worldwide since 1980, offering durability and reliability in various climates, making it perfect for loft conversions.

Cost and Timescale for Different Types of Loft Conversions

1. Velux Loft Conversion
Starting from £24,000, Velux loft conversions are the most affordable option. Completed within three weeks, they make use of existing attic space and require minimal construction work.

2. Rear Dormer Loft Conversion
Starting from £38,000, rear dormer conversions offer maximum internal space. Completed in about four weeks, these conversions feature a timber structure finished with plain tiles and can include large windows or French doors.

3. Hip-to-Gable or Hip End Dormer Conversion
Starting from £37,000, these conversions extend the existing ridge of properties with sloping side roofs. Finished with hanging tiles, they typically take around three and a half weeks to complete.

4. Cottage Dormer Loft Conversion
Starting from £37,000, cottage dormer conversions are aesthetically pleasing and situated at the front of properties. Completed in a similar timeframe to hip-to-gable conversions, they must be proportionate to the existing roof volume.

5. Wrap-Around Loft Conversion
Starting from £48,000, wrap-around conversions combine hip-to-gable or hip-end structures with rear dormers, offering a mass of additional floor volume. These technically demanding conversions take around six weeks to complete and are finished with plain hanging tiles.

Note: Prices and timescales may vary based on specific project requirements and location. Always consult with approved contractors for accurate estimates and timelines.

When re-roofing as part of a loft conversion, it’s crucial to ensure that the new roof meets the performance standards of the original roof. This includes considerations for fire resistance, durability, and overall suitability for the intended purpose. While preservative treatment to roof timbers is not mandatory, it’s essential to address any evidence of previous woodworm infestation or fungal decay before sealing the roof structure.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the safety, longevity, and effectiveness of the re-roofing process as it relates to your loft conversion project.

We understand the importance of thorough planning and consideration when it comes to your loft conversion project. Our process involves visiting your home at a convenient time to assess your loft space, take accurate measurements, and discuss your preferences and requirements. During this consultation, we will also review stair configuration options and address any questions or concerns you may have.

With the information gathered during the assessment, we will then prepare a bespoke and detailed quotation for your loft conversion project. Additionally, we will provide a free CAD drawing to visualize the design and layout of your new loft space, ensuring that it meets your expectations and specifications.

Our goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your loft conversion, and we are committed to delivering a tailored solution that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

At Another Level Loft Conversions, we aim to provide comprehensive and reliable loft conversion services tailored to your needs. Here’s what we offer:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We begin with a complimentary consultation where we assess your loft space and discuss your requirements. As part of this service, we provide a free CAD drawing of your loft to visualize the potential conversion.

2. Detailed Project Specifications and Quotations: Following the consultation, we provide fully detailed project specifications and quotations. Our transparent approach ensures you have a clear understanding of the scope of work and associated costs.

3. Design Concept: We offer assistance with design concepts to help bring your vision to life. Our team works closely with you to create a layout that maximizes space and functionality while meeting your aesthetic preferences.

4. Experienced Surveying and Structural Engineering: With our team of experienced surveyors and structural engineers, we ensure that every aspect of your loft conversion meets safety and regulatory standards.

5. Planning Liaison: If required, we handle all communication with planning offices and control authorities to obtain necessary approvals for your loft conversion project.

6. Project Scheduling and Management: We take care of project scheduling, coordination, and management both on-site and off-site. Our goal is to ensure that your loft conversion is completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

7. Building Control Compliance: Throughout the construction process, we liaise with building control authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. We oversee inspections and ensure that all necessary certificates are obtained.

Contact Us:

Ready to explore the possibilities of a loft conversion? Contact our friendly team today at 01772 393005 for your free bespoke loft conversion quote and CAD drawing. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you promptly.

At Loft Conversions Loft, we’re dedicated to transforming your loft space into a functional and stylish extension of your home.