Loft Conversions

More than 1 million UK homes have loft conversions.

They can cost a third of the price of moving house and could increase the value of your home.




Thinking of Converting Your Loft?

• Seek professional advice before work commences as not all lofts are suitable for conversion.
• Planning permission may be required.
• Party wall regulations may apply- visit www.rics.org/partywalls for more information on the Pary Wall Act.
• Choose your builder carefully.
• Consider appointing a Chartered Surveyor/Engineer to oversee work.
• Building Regulation approval is required.

What does the Building Inspector do?

Undertake a completion inspection and usually pre-plaster but this is not a requirement.

Some of the main checks during this inspection are :

• The structural strength of the proposed floor is sufficient.
• The stability of the structure (including roof)is not endangered.
• Safe escape from fire.
• Safely designed stairs to the new floor with minimum headroom requirements.
• Reasonable sound insulation between floors,the conversion and the rooms below.
• Upgraded thermal insulation

N.B.If contraventions are discovered during the completion inspection it can be expensive to alter the work at this stage.

Building Control Guidance notes for loft conversions can be found at http://www.buildingbuilding.co.uk/.