When starting a loft conversion their are a number of important key items to consider.
1. Ceiling heights
Ceiling heights can sometimes be overlooked. The ideal ceiling height is a minimum of 2.1m-2.4m to become a more habitable room such as a bedroom. Its important to note that with any loft conversion materials such as insulation, plasterboard etc can add to the overall thickness of the roof and reduce the height of your overall ceiling.
What to do if your ceiling heights are too low?
Options can include:
- reducing the height of your existing ceiling this can be very messy!
- Introducing Dormers to give more space and natural light.
- Raising the roof!
2. Access
Access is the critical aspect to any loft conversion project and the process needs to take into account the access from any landing as well as the best position within the loft space dependent on the projects objectives. Examples can include:
- If you are looking to creating a large open plan loft conversion. It would make sense to try and obtain access from one end of the property.
- If you are looking to create 2 separate spaces such as a bedroom at each end it maybe best positioning access somewhere between the middle or 2/3 of the existing loft space (To get the most use out of the additional bedroom without having to pass through rooms (Which would leave you with a smaller room due to having to create a corridor between 2 rooms)
3. Natural Light:
Natural light offers so many benefits and is also a very important factor when designing your loft conversion not only for ventilation and perhaps even escape! The options available come in many different shapes and sizes. From Ridge light systems, rooflights, conservation rooflights and dormer windows - the possibilities are simply endless!
4. Acoustics
When creating a habitable room its important to take into consideration acoustics and sound between levels. This will be to reduce the noise of impact such as from walking around the loft conversion and also reducing airborne sounds such as the noise from the TV below.
To address acoustic issues their are a number of options we can explore including Sound proofing (Sound reducing) plasterboard.
5. Fire Safety & Escape
The most important one of all fire safety and escape. Without a shadow of a doubt this one is integral and top of the tree for any loft conversion!
This includes escape routes out of the property, protecting the staircase, alerts and alarm systems and escape windows!
BONUS Purpose of the space!
What is your main objective for the loft conversion? Is it to add value to your home through the creation of that extra bedroom? A new studio or office space? A new storage space?
At ICI Architecture Studio we are hear to help guide you throughout the full process from Surveying your property, guiding you through the planning process or certificate of lawful development process and Building Control applications.
For a free initial consultation with no obligation to use our services please call 01260 602 005.
We look forward to speaking to you soon!
