Roofspace conversions

Roofspace or attic conversions require a Building Regulation application where the intention is to provide:

• an extra bedroom
• also possibly a bathroom
• a playroom
• a study/office
• a floored storage area

Where the intended use is to store lightweight items such as suitcases, general household items etc, then the provision of loose boarding is generally satisfactory. An application would not be required in such circumstances provided the access to the area is by ladder and not by a new staircase. For the purposes of the Regulations a ladder is a flight with a pitch greater than 55º.

Ceiling joists are generally not intended to act as a floor and are not designed to support heavy Loads.

Therefore, it is important to inform the Building Control service and make a Building Regulations application where the proposed use is for anything other than light storage.

Why inform the Building Control Service?

They administer and enforce the Building Regulations, on behalf of the Council, to ensure buildings are constructed and altered to acceptable standards. Where such works have been carried out without their knowledge and approval, future property sales could be jeopardised when solicitors acting on the purchasers behalf carry out conveyancing procedures.

Roofspace conversions are generally considered to be a simple procedure. This is not the case. They should be designed and constructed by people aware of the health and safety aspects affecting building occupiers. The following points must be considered and catered for in roofspace conversions:

1. Floors, certain walls and doors are required to be structurally able to resist the effects of a fire for a specified period of time, usually 30 minutes in a typical domestic situation. Such provisions, among others, are essential to ensure safe escape in the event of fire or other emergency.
2. The new floor and room layout requires a safe and easy exit route in the event of fire. Careful consideration of this item is of critical importance.
3. The provision of an automatic smoke or heat detection system to give early warning of a fire is desirable.
4. The provision of escape windows is an important aspect of life safety in roofspace conversions.
5. The structural adequacy of the new floor has to be designed and checked to ensure it can safely support the new loads placed upon it, without suffering collapse or excessive deflection.
6. Ventilation is essential to most room areas to prevent unpleasant living conditions.
7. Condensation, if not properly catered for especially in areas where it cannot be seen, can cause problems. Certain roofspace layouts and roof construction types require careful consideration of ventilation and vapour check barrier provisions.
8. The walls and roof of the roofspace conversion require not only to keep out the rain and effects of damp, but also to reduce heat losses.
9. If a bathroom or shower room is to be included additional ventilation measures will be required to prevent excessive condensation.

In addition to a Building Regulation approval you may also require Planning Permission in certain circumstances.
For further advice please contact your Building Control service.