What you should know to properly plan a loft conversion in London
Loft conversions in London is a serious task that requires careful planning and time. In this article, I will share the vital details that will help you make certain that you have a suitable roof or property for the project. These details will also help you make certain that you meet all planning requirements and building regulations with ease. I must point out that some homeowners will hire a chartered surveyor to advise them or oversee the project.
Is Your Loft Ideal for a Conversion?
To be honest, some homes are not ideal for loft conversions. Here are three things you must take into consideration while evaluating your home for a loft conversion in Croydon: the pitch angle, the available head height, and the type of roof structure. These things must be checked out before the conversion gets underway. You will run into a serious problem if there is not enough space for stairs, an entrance, and a safe exit.
The available head height is the usable part of the roof. It should be at least 2.2m. Taking measurements from the bottom of the ridge timer to the top of the ceiling joist will help you find out if the roof meets the minimum measurement standard.
Pitch Angle – The pitch angle (40 degrees or over) determines that the central head height is high, and the floor area can be increased with the aid of dormers or a roof redesign.
Low Ceilings
If your assessment shows that you have a low ceiling, you have two options to take into consideration. Please keep in mind that both options can be pretty expensive, so it’s vital for you to get quotes before kicking off the project. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Raise the Roof – This is where part of the roof is removed. In some instances, the entire roof is removed during the loft conversion process. You need scaffolding to keep the rain out and you need planning permission.
Lower the Ceiling Below – This option is not for the do-it-yourselfer. It requires the skills of a true professional. If you have rooms beneath the loft that have 3m or more of ceiling height, the skilled professional can lower the height of these rooms.
The existing ceilings must be removed and a new plate must be bolted to the wall. The floor will be able to hang from the new plate bolts, and for a tie to be created between the dwarf wall and roof structure. This will prevent roof spreading.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is typically not required in London. However, you need planning permission if you extend or make alterations to the roof space. In this instance, the roof space may exceed the specified limits and conditions.
The following limits and conditions should be adhered if you want to avoid going through the process of filing an application for planning permission:
- Materials must compliment your home’s appearance
- No balconies, verandas, or raised platforms
- For detached and semi-detached houses require a volume allowance of 50 cubic meters additional roof space
- Terraced houses require a volume allowance of 40 cubic meters additional roof space
- Extensions cannot exceed the highest part of the roof
- Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed
- An extension cannot go beyond the plane of the existing roof slope
- In designated areas, roof extensions are not permitted development
- Roof extensions must be set back
- The roof enlargement cannot overhang the exterior face of the wall
A Livable Area
Taking on loft conversions in London is a great idea that you’ll never regret. Unfortunately, some homeowners only use their new loft space to store extra items. Your new livable space can be used as bedroom or entertainment room. You will need to install flooring, walls, and doors to your new area.
Adding a staircase is another accessory for a livable area. Please keep in mind that the stairs must meet building regulations. There is a possibility that you will have to sacrifice some of your second floor, so that you will have enough room for the stairs. You could go with space-saving stairs if you really need that extra room for your second floor.
