Why Choose a Loft Extension?

Do you need more space? Do you have a growing family that needs more room? If so, a loft extension might be the best solution for your home. Loft extensions are not only popular with increasing families, but also with singles or couples without children who are looking to create their own living space. The following are important factors you need to know about before choosing and installing a loft extension in your home.

Loft Conversions Essex

Structural Integrity

Loft conversions are not just about adding space to your home, they also add extra weight. Building an extension in the loft will cause a small increase of weight on top of what you’re already carrying, but it’s important to make sure that your foundation can support this additional load.

There are different ways for determining how much strength and depth is needed before the building begins, including exposing the foundations by removing any landscaping obstructions or obstacles from around them.

It’s worth noting that if there isn’t enough room within these limitations then less intrusive methods like drilling holes through brickwork should be considered instead – eventually leading up to full structural analysis at some point during construction!

From checking the foundations to digging a hole, planning for potential underpinning is an important step in converting your house into a loft. Luckily you can prevent this from happening by exposing these details before any work begins!

Head Height

Before starting a loft conversion, you need to be certain that your loft is high enough for the conversion. Some lofts just aren’t tall enough and this can cause problems down the line. Building regulations specify that a standard height of 180 cm from floor to ceiling should be present in order for any type of conversions; however, if you want an extra comfortable space after converting then it’s advisable not only building code but also 230 cm headroom with ceilings at least 2 meters high on top-level (or 3 feet). Professional builders will always measure and tell you how much room they have once converted so there are no surprises when doing final touches!

It’s also important that when you are considering your headroom and roof height, make sure to include essentials such as enough room for plumbing pipes or water tanks. You also need a staircase up into the loft space so that it doesn’t feel cramped.

Building Regulations

A loft conversion is a relatively simple project that does not usually require approval from building regulations. However, having this step taken care of will eliminate any risk and make it easier for the builder to give you an accurate quote before beginning work on your project.

However, it is important to note that if your home is a semi-detached building or a terraced house, you will need to inform your neighbour about your loft conversion plans as this falls under the 1996 Party Wall Act. At the same time, even if you don’t plan to apply for approval from the building authority, you will need to give at least a 48-hour notice.

At different stages of the conversion work, a building control officer will come around for inspection and issue them at the final inspection. It is a good idea to hold back on settling your account with the contractor until you receive your certificate.

Windows and Natural Light

Loft conversions are a great way to make the most out of your home, but did you know that there’s an even better alternative? Skylights! With just one installation, natural light will be streaming through and making it easy on your energy bill. Not only can these skylights open for ventilation during hot days in the summertime- but they also provide warmth from cold winter nights with their insulation properties!

When it comes to installing windows, dormer windows will make for the ideal loft window. Planning permission is necessary for dormer windows at the front of your home. However, if you are having problems getting this approval then consider installing skylights in the front and windows with a roof on top of them at the back instead!

If you want to install dormer windows in your new loft space, remember that the roof will be exposed for a few days while the installation takes place. If it’s raining when you’re doing the conversion, consider protecting against rain and moisture with temporary plastic sheets or tarps.

Fire Safety

When you want to change the structure of your home, there are safety implications that should be considered. When converting a loft into a bungalow will have very little effect on fire safety as long as new large enough windows can serve an emergency exit, this cannot always be said for two-storey buildings. For one thing, the plaster must now cover ceilings below and the converted room needs to be separated by a door at stairs with a big enough window serving escape when needed while all these changes need careful consideration.

Installing smoke alarms in a loft conversion is an important way to ensure safety. However, most experts recommend that you install additional linked units on each floor for added protection. It’s also recommended that the installation be done by professionals who know how to protect your family from fire hazards and keep them safe at all times.

Insulation

Your new loft will need insulation if you want to make it comfortable enough to live in. Heat insulation is one of the most important aspects of a loft conversion, but because of changes in energy efficiency standards, this can be more difficult than ever before. In many cases, the best option for heat isolation is between rafters and roof covering-adding airtightness! It may also be helpful to add underfloor heating during colder months as an added warmth source that won’t cost too much on your power bill each month either!

Apart from the heat insulation, your new loft will also need soundproofing so as not to inconvenience the people below. You should consider insulating walls against both noise and cold air loss for a comfortable living space that is warm and quiet throughout.

Stairs

Building stairs for your new loft should not be difficult, but it’s important to plan ahead. Lofts are often narrow and have a small space which can make installing the right stair design more complicated than in most other homes. The width of the staircase you select is an important decision because that will determine how much furniture can go up to them as well as if they’re too high or low off the ground once installed – neither one being preferable!

Custom-built stairs are important to any loft conversion project. You can’t use them until they’ve been approved by building control, and you’ll need a fire escape if the staircase is going up or an outside door at the bottom of it for safety reasons.

Storage Space

Converting a loft can be stressful because you might lose your storage space. This would make the area appear cluttered, small and overloaded. To combat this problem, it is important to find creative ways of creating new storage spaces in order for everything to flow better which will leave you with less frustration while looking at an overcrowded room day after day or week after week.

Thinking of having your Loft Converted? Contact Judges Building Services Today

Loft extensions can be a great way to get more space for your growing family, but you need to know what it takes before you start the project. We’ve outlined some important factors that will help guide you through this process and make sure everything goes smoothly. If you still have questions or want to talk with someone about whether loft conversion is right for your home, please contact Judges Building Services today! Check out our new blog for great content such as “Adding Value to Your Property: The Options You Should Consider“.