Can I convert my loft into a bedroom My house is a converted barn?

Question

From the apex of the roof to the floor is 6ft 4in. I also have two beams running across the width at 3ft 4in from the floor which would have to be removed

Answer 1

You might need planning permission, and there may be some kind of extra insulation or similar needed as you may need a firebreak between the conversion and the rest of your house.

Answer 2

Yes it can be done but you need to check things such as listed building status. Presumably you will be putting in a roof light or dormer window. Again you need to check what you will be overlooking as you may need to get planning permission etc. Structurally those cross member beams are there for a reason. Someone has already suggested getting an architect to look at the feasability of the project. Good idea as he will also be able to give you advice on the best way to put in access to the loft space, as well as ways of getting round the beam problem. It will almost certainly need vertical support from the ceiling beams to the roof trusses, as well as some sort of flying beam to provide support to stop the two sides of the roof falling in towards each other.

Answer 3

You can do, but you will definateley require building regulation approval.
You may need to put a structural floor in to support the dwarf walls which will support the rafters after the purlins have been removed. The extg rafters may need strenghtening but this is no big deal. The sloping ceiling will need insulation but this can be achieved with Tri-iso super 10 which is stapled onto the underside of the rafters then battened and plasterboarded but you may need ventilation above the insulation depending on what type of roofing underlay exists. If it is a second floor ie above the first floor you will need a secondary means of escape in case of fire. if it is open plan you will have problems.

by the time you have got the new floor in which has to be half hour fire resistant and insulated with a minimum of 100mm insulation and battened out the rafters you will not have much headroom so it is best to put the staircase access where it will have the greatest headroom on landing minimum 1900mm measured from centre going down to 1800 at the worst case at the side of the stairs. You could try and put a velux roof window over the stairs at landing level at the top as this will give you a bit more space. see approved document K for stairs (building regs) and approved document B Fire regs(Building regs) you can down load these see ODPM site you will need a new half hour fire res door into the new room or at the bottom of the new staircase landing and the doors to other habitable rooms off the staircase enclosure will need to be made self closing (rising butt hinges are OK) also any glazing off the staircase enclosure say in doors or clearstorey lights (glazed panels over doors) will need to be half hour fire resisting glazing.The Building Control may need Structural calculations to substantiate new timber sizes. I hope this helps.I have prepared plans for over a 1000 loft conversions.

Answer 4

I think you are saying that except for the cross beams you would have over 6 feet of headroom. Be careful, it is probable that they are structural. You need to talk to a expert to analyze their purpose. That person can also tell if they can be relocated without impairing structural integrity. i have been involved in construction and I have seem beams moved in one direction or another or up higher that made no difference to integrity. I have seen construction where the builders could have moved beams to improve space, didn't do it and destroyed great space potential. It is worth it to talk to some professionals to analyze it for you.

Answer 5

Not enough head space. And the beams are probably structural beams that cannot be removed. By what you describe, "view is not worth the climb". Spend the money on an addition instead.

Answer 6

you could convert your attic but youll need to get an architect to do you a set of drawings to put forward for planning youll also need to decide how much you want to spend as the best way to get maximum space is to put a couple of dormers out one side which can cause planning problems if looking onto others peoples property but shouldnt be too bad if its a converted barn

Answer 7

The ceiling will be too low to be considered useable living space by most building codes. So yes, you can use it that way, but when you sell or have the property appraised that space should not be included in the living area.

Answer 8

you would ahve to ask a structural engineer, particularly with regard to the beams, they could be essential in supporting the roof, so may not be able to be moved

Answer 9

you will have to seek guidance from your area planning department.Do not start work until necessary permisions given, or could lose a lot fo money putting it back to how it was.

An architect can look at how feasible it is, and assit with planning applications (may be costly).

Good luck

Answer 10

the ceiling is to low however you could convert in into storage space