Loft Conversions.
Non-habitable use.
If you wish to use your loft area for
normal light storage only,
boarding over the existing ceiling joists will NOT require approval
under the Building Regulations. If other works are to be undertaken
see the notes below.
Habitable Room.
The conversion of a roof space into a
habitable room or rooms may require all or any of the following to
obtain Building Regulation Consent: The general guidance set out
below relate to conversions where the maximum number
of storeys will not exceed three. In all other
cases contact Building Control for advice.
The following guidelines are to advise you of
certain requirements if you are considering converting your roof or
loft area into a habitable room. This advice is given in general
terms and will not cover all possible factors. If, after reading
these notes, you are still not sure what may apply to your
proposals please consult Building Control
- The existing stair should be enclosed and
discharge directly to an external door or be within an enclosure
allowing access to two alternative exit doors front and rear of the
property.
- Installation of new floor joists
- The replacement of existing beams or
lintels
- The exposure of the foundations
- In the case of a house of 2 storeys or more,
the upgrading of the existing upper floor ceilings to achieve a ½
hour standard offire resistance.
- The fitting of a fixed stair or ladder with
handrails and guarding.
- The construction of a ½ hour fire resistant
stair enclosure in the new storey and upgrading if necessary of the
existing stair enclosure to a ½ hour standard of fire resistance
which should lead to directly to the ground floor entrance
door.
- The existing doors within the stair enclosure
except those to bathroom and cupboards will need to be
replaced with fire resisting doors.
- The provision of thermal insulation within
the existing roof together with a vapour barrier to reduce or
eliminate condensation.
- The provision of mains powered battery
backup, interlinked smoke detection and alarm within the property.
These should be installed by a registered electrician.
For further advice please telephone Building
Control – 01279 446859 or 446827.
Additional Permissions that may be
required.
Planning Permission and Covenant Consent may also be required to
allow you to convert your garage.
You should therefore telephone Planning
Development Control 01279 446577 and Covenant Control 01279 446837
for more information.