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Loft Conversion

Refurbishment of existing pre 1985 chalet bungalow loft conversion

Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 2.56 PM

Hello, We recently purchased a 1960s bungalow which has a chalet conversion that pre dates 1985. The gable windows are original and some structural changes have been made to the joists. The stairs are steep >42deg and have less than 2m headroom at one specific point. Insulation is non existent behind the hardboard walls. My surveyor had no concerns about the house structurally when we moved in. I'm looking at options for extending and one option is to retain the stairs upgrade the insulation and perhaps install some velux windows and use the space as a TV lounge and hobby / craft space for the children. I know that houses don't have to be brought up to current standards unless major work is completed but not sure how that applies if I were to simply insulate the space to current standards but leave the rest. Just looking at options at the moment, so advice greatly appreciated. Thanks

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2 Answers

Anonymous user

It all depends on wether there was planning permission befor hand!!! the job may be structurally sound but if it's not done with building regs and you insulate it without building inspectors being involved you can't sell on with that as a extra room the choice is yours but if you are going to spend alot of money on insulation then you just aswell get building control involved It's a extra expense but worth it If the room isn't on the deeds your house insurance doesn't cover it if anything goes wrong you won't get a penny so I would get it inspected and signed off at least your covered and there will be a issue with your head hight for the stairs get it inspected

Answered18 October 2021

Corsham loft conversions

Rating: 5 out of 5

Corsham

Planning permission isn’t required unless you are in a conservation area or your pd rights have been removed. If the survey says it’s structurally sound then adding a couple of windows and upgrading the insulation and then plaster boarding wouldn’t need building Regs as you are only upgrading from the existing. That said it’s not very much money for that and you don’t need to increase the head room above the stairs as it’s existing. If you can increase the headroom easily then it would make the space nicer. If you are doing the work yourself get advice and take lots of pictures of the insulation and how it’s fitted.

Answered4 November 2021