There are many things to consider when thinking about if a loft space is suitable to be turned into an additional living space including space for stairs, windows, doors, type of loft construction.

 

One of the key factors that need to be considered is the pitch of the roof. As long as you’ve got a pitch of 35 degrees or more you should be able to get a decent room out of it.

 

When advising your clients on the suitability of their roof for creating an extra make sure you’ve checked out building regulations because these are constantly being updated and failure to comply could leave you in a sticky position.

 

Although a loft conversion is considered a permitted development, you need to be aware of the conditions below:

 

  • * A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced houses
  • * A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached houses
  • * No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway
  • * No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof
  • * Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
  • * No verandas, balconies or raised platforms
  • * Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor
  • * Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas
  • * Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back, as far as practicable, at least 20cm from the original eaves
  • * The roof enlargement cannot overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.