What to consider when having your loft converted by our structural engineer

When you are looking to add a room to your home, for most people, the loft is the way to go. 

Indeed, having a stylish and professional loft room in your home can add value, add class and can add a space for you to get away from it all.

But, as you can imagine, having a loft room made is no easy feat, and the first thing you will need to consider is the design plan. This is where many people get stuck, as how do you design a loft room from scratch if you have no engineering or building expertise?

Our team at GL Design Services can help. Our structural engineer Croydon has overseen the designs of many loft conversions and will work with you to ensure that the design features that you want will be incorporated (when possible), adding a great-looking addition to your home.

However, going back to the basics for a minute, you will have to consider certain areas when it comes to having your loft converted, and our structural engineer Croydon recommends these as a starting point.

The space

When planning a loft conversion, it is important to consider the available space and how it can be used effectively. According to our structural engineer Croydon, these can be broken down into the following sections.

  • Head height: The head height, or the distance between the top of the loft space and the ceiling, will determine how much living space can be created in the loft. In general, a head height of at least 2.2 meters is required to create a functional living space.
  • Shape and layout: The shape and layout of the loft will also impact the design of the conversion. A loft with an irregular shape or limited space may require a more creative design to make the most of the available space.
  • Structural considerations: The structure of the loft and the supporting walls will also need to be taken into account when planning a loft conversion. It may be necessary to reinforce the structure or add additional support to ensure that the loft conversion is safe and structurally sound.

Your budget

Your budget will vary based on the complexity of the project and what is needed to complete it. A larger and more complex loft conversion is likely to cost more than a smaller and simpler one. Similarly, the cost of materials can vary depending on the quality and type of materials used. Higher-quality materials may cost more, but they may also add value to the property in the long run. The cost of a loft conversion can also be influenced by the location of the property. In general, loft conversions may cost more in areas with higher property values or higher demand for housing. Also, professional fees, including the fees for architects, engineers, and contractors, can also impact the overall budget for a loft conversion.

Building Control approval

Next is the Building Control approval. 

To obtain regularised approval for a loft conversion, you will have to submit a building notice or a full plans application to the local Building Control body, which will review the proposals to ensure that they meet the relevant Building Regulations. Once the application has been processed and fee settled, a Building Control officer will carry out scheduled inspections of the work as it progresses to ensure compliance with the submitted design documentation and Building Regulations.