Using a Loft Conversion Company For Your Conversion

If you are considering a loft conversion London based be sure to hire a loft conversion company to help you work out the details. Loft conversions are a popular way to utilize otherwise unused space. Many homes construct a loft for an office space, a spare room, or a storage space. But before you can put in a loft, you need to assess your roof and roof structure. Inspect the space you want to convert and see if there is any low head height. If there is, then you can raise your entire roof and rebuild it to the necessary height. Bear in mind, this is quite an involved and costly operation. You can also lower the ceiling into the room underneath. If there is extra space below, you can remove the ceiling and lower it to make more space in the loft.

You may need to add new joists in order to ensure your new loft complies with building regulations.  It is best to turn to a structural engineer in this matter to ensure that everything is taken into account safely. You should also call on a building control inspector to look into what type of insulation you will need. One of the most popular insulation methods is the cold roof method wherein extra space is filled with foam insulation.

The next consideration is the staircase. The best location for a staircase is in line with the ridge of your roof. Make sure you adhere to the maximum number of steps you can have in one straight line. The number is 16, but bear in mind most staircases for loft conversion won’t require more than 13. You also have to consider the size of the steps and their angle. The width of your stairs is not regulation so you can make them as wide as you want, but the angle is regulated.

You also want to consider windows. Your loft needs ventilation and natural light. One of the best ways to do this is to add roof lights along the pitch line of your existing roof. You can also use dormers to get natural light and add space to your loft. Dormers can be used on the sides of your loft or at both ends. Some companies can provide dormers that are made off-site and then installed and weatherproofed quickly. Lastly, make sure that you consider fire safety. You need to make sure there are safeguards in place to reduce the risk of fire spreading to this area.

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