ATTIC CONVERSIONS
TEN THINGS TO CONSIDER
Planning permission. Dormers windows
or alterations to protected structure will require planning permission.
Just to be on the safe side always check things over with your
local planning office first before you begin converting. Mistakes
can prive costly, especially when it comes to selling.
Call in the expert. Conversions should
be carried out by a reputable company or persons who are fully
aware of building and health and safety regulations.
Cost. How much are you prepared to
spend? This will depend on how you want to use your space.
Function. How do you intend to use
your attic? The larger the space, the more options there are available.
A study? Home office? Bathroom?
Floor. The new floor should be designed
and checked to see if it can support the new loads placed upon
it without suffering collapse or excessive deflection.
Access. Working pot hoe the access
stairs will run is pften the trickiest part of the design. Try
not to eat into the space of another room, if possible. Structural
stairs will add to the cost but pull down stairs are also on option.
Light. Natural light is the essential
element in transforming an attic, and windows are an easy way
of achieving this. As a general rule, windows should be equivalent
to ten per cant of the room's floor area, although increasing
this to 20 % is usually more effective.
Fire and safety precautions. An attic
should structurally be able to resist the effect of a fire for
up to 30 minutes in atypical domestic situation. A special fire
door is recommanded as well as a smoke alarm. It is also important
to check emergency escape and access requirements.
Wiring and plumbing. Additional lighting
and power points will be required and can be done with minimum
fuss. If your water tank is in the attic it will need to be moved,
in in which case water supply should only be interrupted briefly.
Ventilation. Good ventilation is
essential to prevnt unpleasant living coditions.
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