| Converting your Attic |
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| Roofspace or attic conversions require
a Building Regulation application where the intention is to provide
an extra bedroom (possibly a bathroom), a playroom or a study/office
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| Where the intended use is to store lightweight
items such as suitcases, general household items etc, the provision
of loose boarding is generally satisfactory.An application would
not be required in such circumstances provided the access to the
area is by ladder and not by a new staircase. For the purposes of
the regulations a staircase is a flight or flights (other than a
ladder) and landings that make it possible to pass on foot to another
level or levels. |
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| Please note that ceiling joists are
generally not intended to act as a floor and thus are not designed
to support heavy loads.Therefore it is important to inform your
Building Control Service and make an appropriate Building Regulations
application, where the proposed use is for anything other than light
storage. |
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| Why Inform the Building Control
Service? |
| The Building Control Department administers
and enforces the Building Regulations, on behalf of the Council,
to ensure that buildings are constructed and altered to acceptable
standards.Where such works have been carried out without their knowledge
and approval it is possible that future property sales could be
jeopardised when solicitors acting on the purchaser’s behalf carry
out conveyancing procedures. |
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| Roofspace conversions are generally
considered to be a simple procedure, however, this is not always
the case.They should be designed and constructed by competent persons
fully aware of the health and safety aspects affecting building
occupiers. The following points must be considered and catered for
in roofspace conversions: |
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The walls and roof of the roofspace conversion
are required not only to keep out the rain and effects of
damp, but to also restrict the passage of heat from the living
environment to the outside. Consideration of insulation to
these walls and roof helps to reduce heat loss and as a consequence
will reduce your heating bills. |
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Floors, certain walls and doors are required
structurally to resist the effects of a fire for a specified
period of time (usually 30 minutes) in a typical domestic
situation. Such provisions amongst others are essential to
ensure that you, your family and building occupants, can escape
safely in the event of a fire or other emergency. |
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The provision of an automatic smoke or heat
detection system is essential to give early warning of fire. |
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The provision of escape windows is an important
aspect of life safety in roofspace conversions. |
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The structural adequacy of the ‘new floor’ has
to be designed and checked to ensure it can safely support
the new loads placed upon it, without suffering collapse or
excessive deflection. |
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Ventilation is essential to most room areas
to prevent unhealthy living conditions. |
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Condensation if not properly catered for – especially
in areas where it cannot be seen – can cause problems. Particular
roofspace layouts and roof construction types require careful
consideration with regard to ventilation and vapour barrier
provisions. |
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The new floor and room layout requires that
you and your family have a safe and easy exit in the event
of a fire. Careful consideration of this item is of critical
importance. |
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| How Do I Inform Building Control? |
| The Building Control Service is here
to advise and assist you, just ask your Area Building Control Surveyor
and he/she will be pleased to help you on the procedures to follow.
You are required to provide the following information: |
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A completed application form |
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Two copies of plans and any supporting information |
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Correct plan fee |
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N.B. – Plans may not be required if you choose
the Building Notice route. |
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| Building Control are obliged to determine
your application within 56 days from receipt of your application
and therefore shall communicate with you in advance when you should
receive an approval notice or request for additional information.
However, if you wish to commence work before that time, please give
at least 48 hours notice of your intention, after you have made
the application. |
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| In all instances you must inform
Building Control of your intention to start work, as it is important
to verify that the works on site comply with the Building Regulations.
On satisfactory completion of the works and payment of your inspection
fee you will receive a Completion Certificate. This certificate
will form an important part of your property documentation, particularly
in the event of the future sale of the property. |
