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Loft Conversion

Access to Existing loft space through stairs

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.42 PM

I reside in a 1940s semi-detached property and will like to build a wrap around double-storey side and rear (upper storey) extension. There is space within the loft which I will like to utilise as a storage or habitable room. The loft is accessible through a loft ladder from one of the bedrooms. However, I intend to run a new stairs into the loftspace from the landing on the first floor but the type of roof attached to this property is hipped and also concerned about head height. At first, I thought about changing the roof from hip to gable without the use of a dormer. Because I am on a tight budget and willing to save on labour costs, I will kindly appreciate if access to the loft can be achieved through any of the following - hip to gable, hipped roof or another alternative. Please also advise on the recommended head height and what is likely to be acceptable by the council or building regs.

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2 Answers

West Country Works (uk) Ltd

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Bristol

Hello Sola_11 The recommended height is 2M from tread to head head height. Depending on how far from the gable your hips start and you have access from the landing you can turn a staircase up on a quarter landing. This gives the stairs immediate lift to the loft in a tight space. The stairs can be designed to fit centrally at the party gable if this is where the existing stairs are and you have enough space on your landing. A small Velux window above the stairs will give plenty of light. If your budget allows and depending on the pitch of the existing roof, you could also consider extending the ridge board and rafters and change the pitch of the hips. All jack rafters on the hip end would be steeper and increase the roof space.

Answered8 May 2021

Midlands Home Construction Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bromsgrove

building regs requires 2.2 metres. but you have to account for floor steels, floor joist and the floor boards in the loft also, this could lose you around 200mm to 250mm quite easily. you can either take the roof off and lay more courses of bricks to increase head height, or you can lower the ceilings upstairs.

Answered5 May 2021