What do I need to know about loft conversion floor plans and building regulations?
Converting your loft is a great way to create extra living space in your property.
Many loft conversions don’t need planning permission — but you’ll still need to abide by building regulations.
Read our latest post to know how to do this. We’ll start by offering a step-by-step guide to converting your loft. Then we’ll move on to specific questions like planning permission and loft conversion floor plans.
We’ll also explain the benefits of working with an architect to help you plan your new space.
Converting your loft step-by-step
Before we explore building regulations, it helps to understand the process of converting your loft. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Assess whether your loft is suitable for conversion.
The minimum head height for traditional cut rafter and purlin roofs, which were used in buildings before 1965, is 2.2 to 2.4 metres. For buildings built after 1965 with trussed roofs, the minimum height is 2.4 to 2.6 metres. It can be possible to still covert your loft if the headroom is lower than the figures above, through careful design, and potential measures such as lowering the ceiling joists level of the existing storey below the loft, if you have sufficient headroom to the existing storey below.
2. Know the main types of loft conversion designs to understand which is best for you.
A roof light conversion is the simplest and most affordable way to convert a loft.
A dormer loft conversion adds a box-like structure to your roof, giving you full head height and more space.
And a mansard loft conversion is used when you have very little headroom. It replaces one or two slopes of your roof with a new structure. This type of conversion usually requires planning permission.
3. Research building regulations, such as planning permission.
It’s good to understand as much as you can about these requirements before you embark on your project. You can discuss these issues with your builder or a professional such as an architect or planning permission consultant. It may sometimes be possible to cover your loft under "permitted development", which can a quicker and simpler approach to a full planning application.
4. Start designing your loft space.
When designing your loft you should employ the services of an architect, who can help you design the space according to your needs and personal taste, and ensure that the space achieved is maximised, and the internal layout is designed as efficiently as possible.
5. Sort out your budget.
Be sure to get more than one estimate for the building works, for a selection of building contractors. At this stage, you will need to secure funding for your project, whether that’s through a loan or your savings.
6. Get started.
Once you’re happy with your plans, you can start working with a builder and other professionals to help you achieve your loft conversion.
Do I need planning permission to convert my loft?
Generally, no. That’s because most loft conversions can go ahead under the “permitted development” scheme. This enables homeowners to do work on their property without planning permission as long as the project fits certain criteria.
The kind of home improvements you can carry out under permitted development (also known as PD) include small rear extensions and converting lofts.
It’s best to check with your local council whether you can go ahead under permitted development rights. You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, which does exactly what it says — confirms that a project is allowed by law. Your loft conversion architect will be able to assist you with this.
You may apply for the certificate yourself or hire a planning permission consultant to apply on your behalf.
Can I convert my loft under permitted development?
Consider the following factors to understand if you can convert your loft under permitted development:
Permitted development cannot be used for flats or maisonettes, as building work has more of an impact on your neighbours.
If permitted development rights have already benefited your property, for a loft conversion, you can’t use them again in most cases.
If you live in a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or another area where PD rights are not applicable, you may not be able to use them.
Your roof space size cannot be increased by over 40 cubic metres for a terraced property or 50 cubic metres for other types of properties.
You cannot change the external look of your property significantly. This means you should use comparable building materials and should not increase the roof height over its current highest point.
You must set your loft extension back from the eaves (gutterline) by 200 millimetres at least.
This is not an exhaustive list of PD rules — it’s best to consult with an expert to understand how the rules affect your property. A planning permission consultant is ideal for this task.
Are there other building regulations I need to understand?
You need to understand about a range of other building regulations designed to make properties energy efficient and safe.
You will need to consult with “approved documents.” These are guidelines with practical examples and solutions to help you design and build your loft.
The cover areas include electrical and structural safety, and energy efficiency, fire regulations, drainage etc.
Your loft conversion architect will deal with these matters via their building regulations plans and specifications, and managing the building control application process for you.
How do I get loft conversion floor plans?
A loft conversion architect will create floor plans and designs to maximise your space and ensure your loft is both an attractive and useful space.
They will also guide you through the design phase so your loft conversion project meets building regulations and other requirements.
Think of the architect cost for loft conversion as an investment. Mistakes made along the way can be expensive and hard to put right — so having an expert to help you avoid errors is priceless.
Get in touch for loft conversion architect services
If you’re seeking an experienced loft conversion architect in the Essex or London area, the team at Humphreys & Sons are just a phone call away.
We’re a family firm of architects and chartered building surveyors with a proven track record in loft conversions.
We can talk through loft conversion drawings cost, building regulations, and more at a free initial consultation — so reach out today. We’d love to hear from you!
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