Loft Conversion: Staircase building regulation
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PETE56
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Loft Conversion: Staircase building regulation

by PETE56 » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:44 am

we would like to convert our loft space into a bedroom but we have been told that the roof isn't tall enough. it measures about 1m 82cm can anything be done? our house is semi-detatched.

LCL
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by LCL » Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:53 pm

Pete56

For a staircase to comply with the building regs, you need to maintain 2.0m clear headroom throughout the height of the staircase, including a landing to the top and bottom. This can be reduced to 1.9m in certain circumstances. So by the time you have insulated, and increase the floors joists to take the extra load, you will be well under height.

Regards

LCL

archtext
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Re: loft conversion

by archtext » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:55 am

[quote="PETE56"]we would like to convert our loft space into a bedroom but we have been told that the roof isn't tall enough. it measures about 1m 82cm can anything be done? our house is semi-detatched.[/quote]
This is quite n old post. Have you abandonned the idea of a dormer?
If your house is old and you have a high ceiling on 1st Floor you might consider re-structuring the entire roof. By taking up some of the ceiling height at first floor you might get the 200mm you need. All depends on how much space you would gain for a new roof to be justified.
1.82M is quite low is it a modern house?
I have been playing around with the idea of a dormer having a slope coming back to the ridge . This would mean that although the dormer would be higher than the existing roof (which planning usually disallows) the increased height would not be perceived at ground level due to angle of vision.
Interesting challenge for the bravehearted and tenacious negotiators.
If your dormer doesn`t work out, how about creating a mezzanine gallery
by removing part of first floor ceiling and using the roof space as cathedral style ceiling? ( Don`t just hack out the ceiling joists get structural advice first)
Alternatively you could build a gym in the garden with a WC and shower possibly under permitted development thus not requiring planning consent
You cannot sleep in it though.

TheDoctor5
Posts: 1381
Joined: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:17 am

by TheDoctor5 » Wed Jan 21, 2009 1:46 pm

Hi All
Have you checked out our projects areas on:
Loft Conversions: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/project_tra ... ersion.htm
Building Regulations: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/project_tra ... anning.htm
There should be quite a bit of info on this subject within these areas that may assist you further
Kind Regards
DIY Doctor

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