Need a bit more elbow room in your home? As your family grows and your housing needs change, and a loft conversion is an excellent way to increase your living space without having to change the footprint of the house. To ensure 100% success and satisfaction, Combit Construction Company, builders in North London give you some tips.
Before you get too far with your plans of converting your loft, you need to decide whether a loft conversion is achievable in your home. So, here are a few things to check before converting your loft:
There are two common roof structures in British homes:
1. Traditional roof:
This is the most common structure of older homes (i.e. homes built before about 1965). The rafters inside the roof space form an ‘M’ shape, with the center of the home being the center of the M. At their highest point, these rafters typically measure about 2.2m.
2. Trussed roof:
This is a common roofing structure for more modern homes (i.e. built after 1965). The rafters are constructed to form a ‘W’ shape and at their highest point, they typically measure about 2.4m.
A loft conversion North London can be achieved in both of these roof styles; however, the trussed roof generally requires more extensive works because much (if not all) of the frame must be removed and replaced.
Height
It’s a good idea to physically get up into your roof space and decide if there’s enough head height to achieve a successful conversion. The industry standards require that the centre and majority of the roof must be at least 2.2m. If your available space doesn’t meet this requirement, don’t panic – using professional roofers, there are ways and means to change the roof pitch and create a space that is both functional and safe.
If the height is an issue, it pays to check out the type of insulation in the roof and floor – by installing a thinner layer of insulation you may gain yourself that extra inch or two that makes all the difference! Of course, insulation is an important factor when it comes to energy efficiency, so there’s a limit on how much can be sacrificed. Alternatively, it is possible to lower the ceiling of the room below. This involves considerable work and is disruptive if you’re living in the home during alterations, but it’s certainly not impossible.
Space
A bit of a no-brainer: is there enough space inside your loft area to create a usable-sized room?
Stairs
Don’t forget that you’ll need to allow for room for the staircase. This will take a chunk out of both the room below and the loft room, so make sure you’re willing to sacrifice this space.
Satisfied that the project is achievable? Great, let’s move on to the next stage… deciding what type of loft conversion is best suited to your budget and your needs:
Roof Light Conversion
This is the most budget-friendly option for converting your loft because it requires the least amount of structural works. A roof light loft conversion simply involves installing ceiling windows and strengthening the floor. If your property has planning constraints, this might be the perfect solution.
Dormer Conversions
The dormer conversion is suited to nearly all sloping roof structures. It simply protrudes from the side of the roof at close to 90°, adding an extra floor and head space within the loft room. Because they are not particularly aesthetically appealing, dormer conversions are generally constructed at the rear of the home.
Mansard Conversion
Roomy, functional and aesthetically appealing – the mansard conversion ticks all the boxes, but it also comes with the biggest price tag! This type of loft conversion involves one or both slopes of the roof being replaced with a new structure with very steep sloping sides. The mansard conversion involves removing a good portion of the existing roof structure and rebuilding it, which will require planning permission.
Choosing Your Builder
It’s no exaggeration to say that your builder can literally make or break your project. To ensure 100% success and satisfaction, you need a builder such as who has the experience, expertise, and creativity to plan and achieve a beautifully integrated loft conversion.
Will I need to get Planning Permission?
Many loft conversions fall under the category of permitted development (PD) rights and don’t require planning permission. However, if your project exceeds the parameters of permitted development (PD), or you have other building constraints on your property, you may need to apply for planning permission. Talk to your builder about this and find out what will be needed to complete your project.
A loft conversion can transform the functionality and comfort of your home. With that extra space for a bedroom, bathroom, home office, library or playroom, you can achieve your dreams of a home that accommodates for all your needs… all under your existing roof!
Also Read: https://www.theposstcity.com/things-to-know-before-using-different-industrial-roofing-types/
