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Can you build up off of existing rear wall for a loft conversion

Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 2.49 PM

We have a very high pitched roof around 18 feet and i was hoping to build up off the existing rear wall up to new ceiling height and just adjust the pitch of the existing roof to create a lower pitch, pitched roof. Could anyone tell me if this is possible? Additional Thanks for the reply Andrew. The property is a traditional Brick and Block Detached property that was built 12 Years Ago. The Roof is a modern trussed roof design with an exterior built chimney to one end. The property is 11 metres long and is plain tiled. We had permission in 2005 under permitted development for a loft conversion which we never carried out,but would like to now go ahead but change the design completely. We are not in a conservation area and do not overlook anyone. Thanks again Andrew for your reply. There are already gables to both ends of the roof so no hip to gables needed which should help on the cubic capacity side. We had an extension carried out along the rear last year where the foundations were checked to a depth of 1.5 metres in strip form and at this depth a good substrate was found. To comply with structural engineers requirements where we took the back of the house out we had to install a massive picture frame steel set up which we have all the calcs and drawings for if needed. (The inspector from the council remarked that it was way over the top at the time but may help ultimately now we want to build up off of it.) Thanks Martin

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1 Answer

Room-by-Room (UK) Ltd

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Hertford

Hello Mart_80, In order to answer this with any accuracy I'd have to see it. There are so many factors to consider that without seeing the property it's impossible to answer. What is the construction of the property and in particular the rear wall? How old is the property and it may be wise to expose the rear wall foundations What is the construction of the existing roof? Is there a ridge beam? is there a chimney? Whats the construction of the loft floor? Does the property have PD rights intact or have they been removed? Is this property detached, semi-detached. terraced? is the property in a conservation area? Will the dormer overlook a conservation area? Would be useful to know these points in general in order to advise further. Kind regards Andrew Added 18th Feb 2014 Based on the additional information you have added I would say that it probably is possible. In order to be sure though I suggest the following; The age of the property and the trussed roof is making alarm bells ring. I would be checking the as built foundation by digging a trail hole next to the rear wall. If you have hips on the roof these will need to become gable ends and this can be done under permitted but you have a maximum cubic capacity which I would have to check in order to confirm the amount. A ridge beam roof design will need to be installed so debatable if you should keep any of the original trusses. I would not adjust the roof pitch as this may not work with existing roof tiles. Check minimum pitch for that specific roof tile with the manufacturer before altering. Kind regards Andrew

Answered18 February 2014