Is it a tall order to gain more space in your loft conversion?
May 28, 2012
Utilising loft space is one of the most popular and common ways to extend a home and the available headroom is a key factor when looking at the viability of converting your loft.
It is also one of the more complex types of extension due to structural implications and the current Building Regulations imposing increasingly high standards of energy efficiency, which affect construction thicknesses and consequently the available head room. In addition, the design of access stairs can often be problematic and it must be remembered that the new staircase will impact the floor below the loft.
There are no statutory headroom minimum standards for room heights under the current legislation with the exception of a minimum of 2 metres at the head of the staircase, however always consider the usable space within the new room. Pitched areas with good design offer great storage areas, but don't be fooled by the size of the floor space on plan if roof slopes directly impact upon it.
The most important dimension is the height between the underside of the ridge and top of the roof joists, as the tallest point of the roof space this dimension is critical, but it must be born in mind that this space will typically be reduced by strengthening of the new floor and insulation and lining out of the new ceiling.
If headroom is tight there are various options to look at to improve the situation: Raising the ridge height - this is unlikely to be practical, but could be considered. It has Planning implications as this would require Planning Permission which is often difficult to achieve and is likely to require a rebuild of the roof which is costly. However there are some situations in which this is a viable or perhaps the only option. The best advice for this option is to consult your local architect for professional advice.
Lower the floor is a last resort, but there are situations in which the loft floor can be lowered to 'borrow' some space from the rooms below to be used in the new loft space above. This is a costly option however as all the ceilings in the floor below will need to be replaced effecting decoration of the whole floor.
More common solutions utilize careful design of dormer windows which can provide headroom over key areas of a loft room for example around the position of a bed to ease movement or to provide headroom in shower and bathrooms. Dormers also provide fantastic lighting potential to improve the quality of the space but be cautious over their size and design as some truly horrific dormers exist that really do detract from the external appearance of a property.
The use of attic windows such as Velux can provide light without the impact of dormers and can be fitted with blinds, manual or electric. In some cases a well-positioned roof window can provide just a touch more headroom that can make the difference between a space working or not, a good example being over the stairwell to help with headroom as well as lighting.
Overall loft conversions require careful design in order to consider the various options and arrive at the optimal design solution that maximizes the space whilst balancing aesthetics and cost. The experience of a qualified Architect can be invaluable in achieving spaces that work and maximize your investment.
Alan Smith runs our Architect Your Home Essex office and is Managing Director of his own multi-disciplined practice offering expertise on design, planning, Listed Building and Building Control. Alan combines expertise in both contemporary design and historic buildings. He has developed specialist knowledge in modern materials, sustainable construction and green issues as well as listed buildings and historic fabric and landscapes. He's worked within Conservation Areas as well as holding Green Register accreditation.
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