Sing it Lofty

[gazzawazza]

I'm contemplating converting my loft to be used as a bedroom. I would like to do this properly so that when we come to sell the house it can be sold as a bedroom rather than 'converted for storage space.' Does anyone know exactly what works will be required?

[j2buttonsw]

We've thought about it. You require the joists to be strengthened (they are designed just to hold the ceiling up) you need windows (or more usually dorma windows) fitted plus you need staircase access (not just a ladder). It was about a �5000 job (from builder we knew) and we would have lost more space than gained. How about getting a free quote from a builder?

[gazzawazza]

Thanks j2. I'm thinking about doing the work myself as I'm a brickie by trade and normally do all my own alterations. I'm not put off by the scale of work suggested I just wanted to be forewarned before I go through the whole planning process so I have some idea what to expect.

Do you know how the builder was going to strengthen the joists, was he just going to place bigger ones side by side with the old?

[rinkytink]

The Channel 4 site has some good info on house renovating - although I can't find anything specific to loft conversions. Check it out:

http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/0-9/4homes
/renovating/hints_tips/index.html

[j2buttonsw]

I was told you just sister up the existing joists. What about an en suite? You will need a hot water pump or a high pressure hot water system where the hot is at mains pressure. Of course you have to line the roof and create all the room partitions but that is simple chippy boshing.

[Jenny Tools]

To be able too sell the house with this as a full conversion room it will need to be inspected by a building inspector and they will require it to have a minimum of 30min fire protection this will inc fire doors and possible fire doors & closers on the lower floors, a escape window, dormer or velux and a certain thickness of flooring. the heavier joists are normally suspended from the outmost sides of the floor joists so the excisting celing are left alone ( this way the floor is fully floating and makes it a lot quiter and stronger) in short its worth getting it planned by a Co thats used to this sort of conversion first and then under take the work your self. Good luck.

[Jenny Tools]

Another thing to consider is heating the room, its no good expecting convection from lower rooms to work (it dont) and even with the roof insurlated it will still be very cold.

[gazzawazza]

Thanks everyone, all good points to consider but not enough to discourage me!