Loft Conversions and the Building Regulations.

This section provides guidance for making alterations to the loft space of an existing house which is no more than two storeys high. 

This is not an exhaustive application of how the building regulation apply to a loft conversion, and is merely to highlight the main considerations of the building regulations when carrying out a loft conversion

• Structural strength of the new floor is sufficient

When converting a loft space into a habitable living space you are increasing the loads applied to the supporting joists, these will generally be ceiling joists which only have the capacity to support a low load, to tackle this issue we would normally install floor joist which are larger in size and have a more suitable capacity for taking the extra load implied when converting the loft.
Other methods used are doubling up smaller joists and decreasing the centers that joist are spaced at.

• safe escape from fire

When a loft is converted into living space it essential that any occupants have sufficient means of escape in the event of a fire.
Provision for escape is normally provided through fire protection to any stairs that may form the escape route from the loft as well as the introduction of escape windows within the roof of the loft allowing ladder access by emergency services should escape routes become blocked during a fire.

• safely designed stairs to the new floor

The design and installation of the staircase is probably the most important factor of your loft conversion as careful consideration should be given to both the aesthetics and practicality of their location.
Through intelligent design and experience we are able to advise on the most suitable solution for the staircase and construct elegant and bespoke staircases to suit every application.

• reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

The use of thermal insulation within the loft space is a common factor to most home owners and many people have already provided sufficient insulation to reduce energy consumption.
During the construction of a loft conversion the up most attention is given to applying maximum insulation to both the floor and ceiling space of the room to give maximum sound and thermal insulation.
Careful consideration is also given to assure adequate air flow and ventilation.

When choosing map building services to carry out your loft conversion you can be sure that we work within the building regulations and will liase with you local authority to assure that works comply with current regulations.

Call us for a free & friendly Quote : 0161 219 1789- 07877 721 913

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