ROOFSPACE CONVERSION
Roofspace or attic conversions require a Building Regulation
application where the intention is to provide:
- an extra bedroom
- a bathroom
- a playroom
- a study/office
- a floored storage area
Where the intended use is to store lightweight items such as
suitcases, general household items etc., then the provision of
loose boarding is generally satisfactory. An application
would not be required in such circumstances provided the access to
the area is by ladder and not by a new staircase. For the
purposes of the Regulations a ladder is a flight with a pitch
greater than 55°.
Ceiling joists are generally not intended to act as a floor
and are not designed to support heavy loads. Therefore it is
important to inform the Building Control section and make a
Building Regulation application where the proposed use is for
anything other than light storage.
WHY INFORM THE BUILDING CONTROL
SECTION?
You are legally obliged to do so as they administer and
enforce the Building
Regulations, on behalf of the Council, to ensure buildings are
constructed and
altered to acceptable standards. Where such works have
been carried out without
their knowledge and approval, future property sales could be
jeopardised when
solicitors acting on the purchaser's behalf carry out
conveyancing procedures.
WHAT IF I HAVE NO PRIOR APPROVAL AND I WANT
TO SELL MY HOUSE?
Work completed prior to 11th November
1985
If the work was completed prior to 11th November 1985 then you
cannot apply to the Council for a regularisation certificate.
It would then be up to the purchaser to satisfy themselves via
their surveyor that work was of a satisfactory standard.
Work completed after 11th November 1985
It is important to note that following on from a visit by our
Building Control staff there are three possible decisions which
could be given - these are:
- To approve and issue a Regularisation Certificate if the work
is deemed to be in accordance with the Building Regulations in
force at the time of construction.
- To issue a list of points which need to be attended to in order
to comply with the Regulations.
This may include a request for certain items of construction to be
exposed. (If the owner of the property wishes to rectify and/or
expose areas of construction, further inspections will be carried
out. A Regularisation Certificate may then be issued if the
work is deemed to comply with the Regulations in force at the time
of construction).
- To reject and advise that the work does not comply with the
Regulations. A certificate will NOT be issued in this
instance.
It should be noted that the issuing of a
Regularisation is at the discretion of the Local
Authority.
WHAT IF I AM CONSIDERING CONVERTING THE
ROOFSPACE IN MY NEW HOME?
You will need to contact our Planning Help Desk who will take
some details
from you and forward to you all the relevant documentation you
will need to complete.
Roofspace conversions are generally considered to be a simple
procedure. This is not the case. They
should be designed and constructed by people aware of the health
and safety aspects affecting building occupiers.
The following points must be considered and catered for in
roofspace conversions:-
1. Floors, certain walls and doors are required to be
structurally able to resist the effects of a fire for a
specified period of time, usually 30 minutes in a typical domestic
situation. Such provisions, among others, are essential to
ensure safe escape in the event of fire or other
emergency.
2. The new floor and room layout requires a safe and easy
exit route in the event of fire. Careful consideration
of this item is of critical importance.
3. The provision of an automatic smoke detection system
to give early warning of a fire is required.
4. The provision of escape windows is an important aspect
of fire safety in roofspace conversions.
5. The structural adequacy of the "new floor" has to be
designed and checked to ensure it can safely support the new loads
placed upon it, without suffering collapse or excessive
deflection.
6. Ventilation is essential to most room areas to prevent
unpleasant living conditions.
7. Condensation, if not properly catered for especially
in areas where it cannot be seen, can cause problems. Certain
roof space layouts and roof construction types require
careful consideration of ventilation and vapour check barrier
provisions.
Issued by Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council March
2006.