Simon Lawrence Ltd-Loft Conversion Specialists

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When a household outgrows its living space, for whatever reason, converting the loft into habitable accommodation is practical, cost effective and by far the best alternative to relocation or extending the existing building.

What are the requirements for a loft conversion?

There are a few restrictions, mainly physical, but not as many as you might think. Although there is no actual requirement relating to head height within a conversion it is very important from a comfort point of view and becomes crucial in regard to the stairway access, where very strict rules apply, so the design tends to form up around the staircase.

There are two distinct forms of loft conversion, ‘roofline’ and ‘Dormer window,’ the latter takes many shapes and sizes

Roofline Conversion

A roofline conversion does not alter the external appearance of the existing roof. With the exception of any VELUX windows that may be incorporated, there is no visible change to the outside of your property. The ‘roofline’ approach is suited to all conversions whether bedroom, office or playroom. They can incorporate all the usual features and also have the advantage that they rarely need planning permission but they are still subject to all the normal building regulation controls.

Dormer Window Conversion

Dormer window conversions are the big brother of the roofline. The Dormer window is incorporated for a number of reasons; frequently it is to gain the necessary head room for the access staircase but it may simply be customer preference. The window can take a variety of forms i.e. pitched to match the existing roof or flat roof to maximise headroom but, the local planning authority will have a part to play in the decision.

I have a Truss rafter roof, can this still be converted?

Yes, just as simply and effectively as a traditional cut timber roof.

Floor Structure for all conversions

Firstly the conversion itself is built as an independent structure within the roof space. Take as a very basic example of the structure, a ‘gable to gable’ loft. This would have two steel beams inserted, bearing on the brickwork and each running parallel to and close to the eaves of the roof. New floor joists would then be fitted between these steels to create the new floor from which internal walls can now be erected. The floor is suspended above the existing ceiling and has no contact with it other than the insulation which is now inserted to provide the appropriate fire barrier.

Energy efficiency: loft conversion V brick extension

Carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions are a major contributor to climate change, In the UK, domestic emissions occur through the use of electrical appliances, gas stoves, the energy used in heating water and heating the general living spaces. According to The Energy Saving Trust, homes in the UK are responsible for approximately 28% of domestic Co2 emissions.

Arguments

Loft Conversion

A more environmentally friendly method, most materials used are from renewable sources
Improves the overall energy efficiency of the house
Does not increase heat loss
Energy efficiency/savings continue for the life of the house

Brick Built Extensions

Adds nothing to the overall energy efficiency, in fact increases areas of heat loss
Uses less environmentally friendly materials i.e. cement
Still uses as much timber as a loft conversion

Additional Factors

The extension is usually more expensive and adds less to the property value, it will almost certainly require planning permission, it will cost more to run whilst the conversion should save you money in fuel bills and you are helping the planet.

The Energy Saving Trust claims that the payback period for a loft conversion is “usually less than seven years and the fuel cost savings continue for the life of the building.” They also highlight the fact that the quality of the builder’s work has a significant impact on the energy efficiency of the building. Although the quality of materials is important, the quality of workmanship is equally important. To obtain the highest level of efficiency the installer must ensure the maximum ‘air-tightness’ of the space is achieved. In particular, Dormer windows a re complicated structures and require skilled tradesmen to construct them to meet the stringent building regulations.

‘Best practice’ insulation standards are imposed by the local authority building control department working to the ‘UK Building Regulations.’ All building materials, floors, walls, roofs and windows have a thermal transmittance or ‘U’ value, this is a measure of its ability to retain or lose heat, the lower the figure the less the loss. Therefore, the regulations specify maximum permissible values for each element in order to reduce fuel usage (you save money) and thus reduce Co2 emissions. Put simply, the more insulation you build in, the less heat you lose.

some ideas for your space

simon lawrence ltd

loft conversion specialists

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