Essex Conversions (Loft, Basement and Garage)
By admin ~. Filed under: Building Services.
Loft conversions are a popular way to increase space in houses, however, loft conversions are more complicated to install than extensions. Essex Builders qualified workforce of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and bathroom fitters will create a unique and beautiful living space that provides comfort, functionality and meets the additional demands of your family.
Each phase of the conversion project is project managed, ensuring building regulations are followed and that all work has met the correct high standards.
Building Regulations:
It is essential that all work meets building regulations. Even if you want to use your loft for storage, building regulations also apply, although not as strictly.
We are experienced in all areas of planning requirements and major considerations of loft conversions. Many loft conversions do not need planning permission as they fall inside personal development rights. However, planning permission is separate from building regulations approval. It is advisable that relevant checks are made with the local authority planning department especially if the following applies:
Alterations to the dormer or the roof so it extends beyond the plane of any existing roof slope facing a highway, or will be higher than the existing roof.
The building is in a conservation area.
The building is listed.
During any conversion standards of health and safety apply.
Major Considerations:
Structural stability
Fire escapes
Fire resistance
Damp resistance
Ventilation
Stairways
Insulation
Strength of existing structures, ie, load bearing walls, lintels and ceiling joists.
It is also advisable for a chartered structural engineer to calculate the support requirements for new floor joists and roof supports, and steel beams.
Due to fire escape route requirements from 2nd floor loft conversions, all existing doors around the whole staircase (except bathrooms and cloakrooms) must be replaced with fire-resistant doors. This makes a fully protected escape route to the ground floor. Glazing in walls must be replaced with fire resistant glass.
Any ceilings under loft rooms must also support fire and sound insulation.
If you have an open-plan layout, you must put in walls to separate your stairs from any rooms, and link them to an escape route to the outside.
Mains powered interlinked smoke detectors must be installed at each level in the hall and on each landing. All smoke alarms must have a standby power supply.
Fixed stairs must be fitted to provide safe access to and from the loft conversion.
A completion certificate is required from the local planning authority.