Is My Property Suitable For A Loft Conversion?

1. Do you have ownership of the loft space?

Before taking any steps to convert the loft, you will want to confirm who owns it. For instance, if you are a leaseholder of the top-floor flat, it is likely that the loft belongs to the freeholder – even though access may be only available via your property. In this case, you need to buy the space from them before you can begin any work.

2. Do you need planning permission?

In order to carry out a loft conversion under Permitted Development regulations, the design needs to be discreet. This typically involves installing roof-lights flush with the front roof slope and introducing a larger dormer window at the rear - this ensures that the property's exterior remains virtually unchanged. For loft conversions with larger roof additions, such as hip-to-gable or dormer extensions to the front or side of the house, permission from your local planning authority must be sought. Of course, there are exceptions; if your property is listed, is situated in a Conservation Area, or if PD Rights have been removed by the council, then a planning application will need to be submitted. When applying for permission, it might help your chances to cite similar conversions which have already been granted in the local area.

3. Is your loft large enough for a conversion?

To make a successful conversion into living accommodation, the loft should have sufficient roof space. To work out the size of this area, measure the total internal floor area on the topmost storey that will be converted. Generally, at least 20m2 is enough for a double bedroom - although not all of it can be utilised, this is due to the roof inclination - the steeper the better! The amount of usable floor area for any new rooms can be calculated after accounting for factors such as height limitations around eaves, a stairwell allowance, and obstacles like chimney breasts. By doing this, you will have a more accurate estimation of available space.

4. Does your loft have ample headroom?

When it comes to headroom requirements for a loft conversion, rules and regulations may vary depending on the type of building you live in, as well as when it was built. Generally, however, 2.2m from floor to ceiling is the threshold to undertake such a project. If your loft does not meet this requirement, then raising your pitch roof is likely to be off the table as gaining permission from councils in such cases is rare. Another option could be to lower the ceiling heights of the rooms below, provided that they have enough headspace for this alteration; however, it should be noted that doing so would come with extra expense and delays.

5. Do you have space for a staircase?

The suitability of the loft stairs for a home must also be taken into account. If it turns out that you have to sacrifice an existing bedroom space in order to fit the staircase, it may not be cost-effective to go ahead with the project. Generally, positioning the stairway above a current flight is most efficient ergonomically. If this isn't possible due to roof slope clashes, a dormer should be constructed above it in order to provide the necessary headroom. It is also important to avoid having stairs ascend right in the middle of new loft accommodation as it can spoil the desired layout. Do note that loft stairs usually require a small enclosed fire-lobby either at the top or bottom, so this should be factored into the living space design.

6. Can your new extension comply with fire regulations?

When converting a multi-storey house, meeting fire regulations can be an especially daunting task. You may have to take drastic steps, like constructing external escape stairs or putting in complex sprinkler systems. For two-storey houses, the requirements are usually less onerous: all you usually need is a corridor leading down to the entrance door. However, if you have an open-plan ground floor, it may be necessary to divide the space in order to create a fire resistant entry and passageway.

To conclude

Most lofts can be modified into a playroom, office, additional bedroom or any other habitable space. Nonetheless, there are still certain factors that must be taken into account when evaluating if your loft is appropriate for the transformation. A builder specialising in loft conversions will be able to help you with this. Once you have established if a loft conversion is feasible in your house, the next step to take into account is whether it makes financial sense. Consulting with an expert builder can assist you in deciding this.

Looking for a loft conversion builder in Surrey?

RLE is the go-to provider in Surrey when it comes to creating stunning loft conversions. To make sure that your project complies with all local building regulations, our team of experienced professionals works closely with planning teams, so you can be sure of a successful outcome. We'll work tirelessly with you every step of the way, from design to completion, to create a loft conversion that perfectly matches your specific needs and lifestyle.

Our company is built on the back of our stellar reputation for quality work; many of our customers come back to us time and again, as do architects we've worked with in the past. We have more than two decades of experience in the building industry, and we strive to maintain clear and effective communication with our clients during all stages of the project.

We provide a comprehensive selection of building services that can help you make your loft conversion or extension into something truly special. So if you're ready to bring out the best in your property, contact us for a free consultation today.