Loft and Attic Conversions

Can I convert my loft? What will I need to check?

It is possible to upgrade any loft space from it's present condition (usually a dark dusty space only really suitable for storing boxed items) into a useable clean storage area. However to convert your loft into a real extension to your home, that could be a bedroom(s), playroom, or home office (with or without plumbing for a bathroom/shower room) there are many regulations set out by all the local building control departments.

We currently deal with the following building control departments; Oldham MBC covering Oldham, Failsworth & Saddleworth areas, Tameside MBC covering Mossley, Ashton, Stalybridge & surrounding areas, and Manchester MBC covering North Manchester. We familiar with the requirements all of these authorities make when considering a Loft Conversion, with or without Dormer window extensions in their localities, so you can be assured that there will be no hidden extras along the way. These "Regulations" are in place to ensure that any project undertaken is built to a standard that is not only safe and environmentally friendly but is also practical and easily usable. To try to help you determine whether or not your loft will comply with these, we have shown a few very simple drawings to explain some of the initial requirements.

What's first?

This is a typical example of a cross section through a house. Note Dimension A, this is the first thing a surveyor will need to check.

Dimension A

We must have at least 2.15M (7ft 2 inches). If you have this dimension or more, then yes you can convert your loft in the knowledge that it will meet building regulation approval. If you do not have this minimum dimension, then there is a possibility of lowering existing bedroom ceilings. This process is not as disruptive as you may think as we install the new lowered ceiling structure first, and remove the old messy structure from above later. This process usually takes 2-3 days to complete and is virtually dust free.

If you are unsure whether you have the minimum requirements we would be more than happy to offer a free site visit and check this for you. Please contact us or call 0161 785 0950.

Loft conversion under way

Do I require planning permission for my loft conversion?

There are two basic types of loft conversions - a "roofline" conversion, and a "dormer" conversion with many variations of the latter...

"Roofline" loft conversions

With this type of loft conversion, we would create a room/rooms within the existing shape of the roof using Velux windows for light and ventilation. With this type of loft conversion, we would not extend or alter the existing shape of the roof at present.

Normally, planning permission is not required for this type of loft conversion. However, a full set of Architect's plans would be necessary along with the designs of a Structural Engineer and subsequent calculations to verify designs. This will be necessary to justify all current building regulations. However, if your property is in a conservation area, there may be restrictions on the design and shape of the Velux windows to be installed. A planning advisor from Preston Construction will be more than happy to identify whether your property is in a conservation area or not.

"Dormer" loft conversions

Dormer's have been referred to in many different ways, Dormer windows, Dormer extensions, roof extensions, attic extensions - a brief description of a Dormer would be an extension of an existing roof shape. Consider a most typical terraced property/town house where the roof would start at the gutters at the front of the house rising to the Apex, (the ridge) in the centre of the house, then falling again down to the gutters at the back of the house. This most typical roof shape does not usually produce a substantial habitable room, unless the house is unusually large. So with this type of roof structure, it would be advisable to extend the roof and create a Dormer (usually to the rear of the property.)

The size, shape and general design of this or any other Dormer can vary greatly. This type of loft conversion may also not require planning permission. Householders have what is known as a permitted development allowance, usually measured in cubic metres. The amount allowed (cubic metres) varies from property to property. Generally, the allowance is between 50 and 70 cubic metres or 20% of the overall volume of the property.A Surveyor from Preston Construction can easily calculate the required volume for any dormer and whether or not this would fall within permitted development rights.

Please note, there are further guidelines whilst trying to identify if your project would be allowed under permitted development rights. These are; (i) no part of the new structure must rise any higher than the existing highest part of the roof at present (usually the ridge line), (ii)
looking down on a plan, no part of this new structure must exceed the current floor plan boundary and (iii) the property must not be in a conservation area. Again, as per roof line conversions, even if planning permission is not required, Architect's plans along with Structural Engineers calculations will be necessary to conform and to comply with the current building regulations.

If you are in any doubt whether your proposed project would require planning permission please do not hesitate to contact one of the Surveyor's at Preston Construction. Either call us on 0161 785 0950 or contact us via our online enquiry form.