Our Services
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are becoming more popular as they can provide the additional space that is required and retain valuable garden space. Loft conversions are one of our specialities combining both our design and structural skills.
If accommodation is the only issue then large flat roof rear dormers are the easiest way to achieve this. In many situations this type of development does not need planning permission if the roof extension does not exceed 50m3. However, in this case in Stansted, Essex, Planning Permission was required as a result of the ground floor extension and the loft exceeding the permitted total of 70m3 for a semi-detached house.
Loft conversions require additional work to be carried out to the existing ground and first floor to help reduce the risk of being trapped on the new floor in the event of a fire. These include:
- New internal fire doors and a protected route from the new 2nd floor
- Mains operated and interlinked smoke detectors on all floors
This is a section through a much simpler loft conversion in Cambridge City where only roof lights are provided for light and ventilation. The staircase is key to any loft conversion, but it becomes critical where no dormer windows are provided to give additional headroom. The only headroom requirements within the Building Regulations relate to staircases and although there is a relaxation of the standard 2m minimum it can create problems in this type of conversion. As a general rule the staircase can only be located in one of two positions, either over the existing staircase or between bedrooms "pinching" a bit of space of each. The structure on these conversions is simple, a new floor and the existing roof being supported on two steel beams between the existing gable and party walls.
