Loft conversions are one of the easiest ways to add additional floor space to a property because they don’t require any alterations to the exterior. The majority of them will be classed as permitted developments, so you avoid the hassle and delays associated with obtaining planning permission. When completed, they can even boost the financial value of properties.
If you are considering a loft conversion, the following information will help you to determine whether it is a suitable option for your home. There are certain criteria you need to meet to ensure you can go ahead with a project.
The first thing to consider with the loft is how much headroom is available. You’ll need to take a measurement from the ceiling joist to the ridge timber to determine how much space there will be in the largest part of the new room. The clearance should be greater than 2.2m; anything less will make the new room cramped and uncomfortable as well as restricting the amount of insulation you can install.
As well as the height you also need to take note of the pitch angle of the roof. With heavily pitched roofs you’ll have a larger amount of usable floor space because the central head height should be higher. With gently sloping roofs you may struggle to find the head height you need and might have to consider having the roof raised up a little.
One of the most important things to consider is the type of roof structure you have. Traditional framed roofs are the easiest to convert because they are built with structural strength in mind. Joists, rafters and supports should already be in place so fewer additions are required. Truss roofing is more modern but involves the use of lighter materials. These roofs may lack load bearing capacity and need a greater amount of structural work before you can convert the loft.
To get an accurate idea of the suitability of your roof for conversion you should consider getting an assessment done. This gives a professional the chance to look at the property and advise you about the options. In the long run it can save you a great deal of money because you’ll have an expert input from the very beginning.
If you’re thinking about loft conversions in Doncaster and throughout the surrounding areas, we are the perfect choice for you. We have years of experience and produce fantastic results on every project we work on.