Welcome to Coastal Lofts

Q	Thinking about a loft conversion?

A	Loft conversions are a popular way to increase space in your home. The information below will explain the most frequently asked questions about loft conversions.

Q	Do I need permission to convert my loft into a room?

If you want the loft to become a room, such as a bedroom, study or playroom, the work must meet with certain building regulations. You must make a full plans or building notice application and a Building Control Surveyor must inspect the work.

If you want to use the loft as storage, the building regulations will apply, but not as strictly. Many loft conversions don't need planning permission because they fall inside your development rights. Normally planning is required if:

You want to put in dormer windows
The building is in a conservation area
The building is listed

Q	What regulations apply?

The building regulations maintain reasonable standards of health and safety for people in and around buildings.

The main things to take into account in loft conversions are:

Structural stability
Fire escapes
Resistance of materials to fire
Resistance of materials to damp
Ventilation
Stairways
Insulation

Q	Do I need steel beams?

A	Most loft conversions need extra beams to support the new floor joists and roof. A Structural Engineer will calculate what beams to use from the Architect's plans.

Q	Do I need fire doors?

Lofts are a long way above ground level so you should consider fire escape routes. If you have a two-storey house, you have two options:

You can put an escape window into your loft room with enough space below it to allow rescue by ladder. You will also need to fit self-closing devices to the doors opening onto the staircase to make a protected path to the ground floor exit (the door to the loft room must be a self-closing fire door).

Alternatively, you can fit self-closing fire doors around the whole staircase so that the doors make a fully protected path to the ground floor exit.

Q	Do I need smoke detectors?

A	You must fit mains-powered, interlinked smoke detectors at each level in the hall and on each landing.

Q	Do I need a new consumer board?

A	Most consumer boards have enough space to add new lights and power sockets, but in some circumstances there is not enough room, or the board is to old and a new one may be required.

Q	How long will it take to complete the project?

A	The average Velux loft conversion takes 3-5 weeks to complete. The average dormer conversion takes 5-7 weeks to complete .

Q	Can coastal lofts recommend an Architect/Engineer to complete the plans for my loft conversion?

A	Coastal Lofts offer a design and build service that provides all the plans, calculations and any council requirements. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.