The pros and cons of an Attic Conversion

Although an attic conversion is an attractive and popular way to add a new room or living area to a house, it is important to remember that it is a difficult job, and without proper planning, it can be a very expensive project.

Depending on the condition of your existing attic and the structure of the house, an attic conversion can be as simple as adding a new staircase and walls. In many cases however, there is a lot more to it than that.

Building Regulations:
When you convert your attic into a new room or living area, all work must comply with local building regulations in order to meet health and safety standards. This will apply to access, insulation, ventilation, drainage, fire safety, and structural stability. To ensure that these standards are met, you will need to make a building regulation application and have all work inspected by a building control officer.

Planning Permission:
In many cases, planning permission is not required for a standard attic conversion. However, it is mandatory in Scotland. Throughout the rest of the UK, planning permission will only be required when:

• The height of the roof will increase.
• You want to add dormer windows that will face the road or will invade your neighbour's privacy.
• You want to increase the volume of your house more than your permitted development rights (In the UK it is usually 15% of the original volume)

Building Structure:
Making changes to the structure of a building in the attic can have knock on effects throughout the rest of the house, particularly with older buildings. It is crucial to repair any waterproofing that gets damaged during the conversion, and very often new interior walls are required. If you add a bathroom to the new attic, it is important to consider the positioning of drainage systems.

Converting you attic can be a very challenging project that very often requires skill, experience, and meticulous planning. In a lot of cases, it is not a DIY job and will require a professional.

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