Legal Considerations for Loft Conversions

Loft Conversions · 10th March 2016

When planning your loft conversion, it’s important to ensure that you are following the restrictions set out by law. Here at AKB Lofts, our experienced advisers will work with you to make sure all relevant legal considerations are met before carrying out your loft conversion – we’ve listed a few of those regulations in this article.

 

Planning Permission

Planning permission is not normally required for a loft conversion, provided the structure of the roof space is not being altered.

However, if the extension will alter the roof space beyond specified limits, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local planning authority. This includes any extension that goes beyond the plane of the existing roof slope, higher than the current highest part of the roof, if a balcony or veranda is to be installed, or if your building is within a listed conservation area. Check with your local planning authority for more details to your area.

 

Building Regulations

Regardless of whether you need planning permission for your loft conversion, you are always required to have building regulations approval for your conversion in order to guarantee the safety of the structure in your home.

Regulations are applied to ensure the safety of the following:

  • Floor strength
  • Stability, especially that of load bearing beams or walls
  • Fire safety
  • Insulation between the conversion and other rooms
  • Ensuring the room meets standard requirements to be considered a ‘livable space’

 

Fire protection

Fire safety must also be considered when planning your loft conversion, ensuring that a safe route of escape has been put in place. The typical loft conversion requires fire-resisting doors to protect the stairway in the event of a fire, so that there is a safe passageway for at least 30 minutes. This can be done by installing fire doors, or some existing solid doors may be coated with a fire resistant paint.

Fire safety should also be improved by installing interlinked smoke alarms at each level of the home, alerting all occupants of the house of a fire should it occur.

 

For more advice regarding your loft conversion, or to discuss obtaining a free quotation, contact us here at AKB Lofts today. Our specialist team aim to provide a high quality service at all times, and are always happy to provide further information on the services we offer.