Adding a new storey to your house is an exciting prospect. However, it is essential for loft conversion building regulations to be met with if you are planning to expand your property with a loft conversion. Building regulations deal with specifications that need to be adhered to keep a building safe and sound.
Structure
Adding a new storey to your house will lead to considerable increase in load on the existing foundations of your property. Loft conversion building regulations require that new ceiling joists are installed to support the extra weight of the new room.
Loft conversion building regulations require that a structural engineer be involved whenever there is an introduction or removal of joists, steel beams or other structural elements.
Fire Safety
Loft conversion building regulations require that you install fire resistant doors with self closing mechanisms at staircases and escape routes. The walls, floors and ceiling of your new loft conversion should have the ability to resist fire for at least 30 minutes.
To provide an escape route, a low level loft window with outside access through a ladder must be installed. Interlinked automatic smoke detection alarms powered by the mains and a battery backup need to be fitted.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential to make your loft habitable. New loft conversions must have an opening equal to 1/20th of the floor of the room according to loft conversion building regulations. Background ventilation must also be provided by trickle vents. For a new bathroom, mechanical ventilation which extracts 15 litres of air/ seconds must be provided.
Addition of a new room will prevent natural ventilation through the roof, so you will also need to add roof vents at the ridge. Air space between the roof covering and insulation must be at least 50mm to ensure cross ventilation.
Stairs
According to loft conversions building regulations, the staircase has to have a pitch or steepness of no less than 42 degrees. Staircases should have a minimum head room of 2m, but in case of restricted space, headroom of 1.8 m is acceptable.
Insulation
As per loft conversion building regulations, it is necessary to insulate your loft.
Insulation is necessary for energy efficiency as well as for controlling the temperature and making your loft comfortable. Moreover it will also help in lowering your heating bills.
All of the companies we use as part of our network of Reputable, Trusted, Fully Vetted and Recommended Home Improvement and Building Companies will comply with any Building Regulations and can help organize any planning permission required.
