BUILDING FOLLOW RULES

The building regulations that you need to consider before you start to plan your loft conversion

ACCESS Building regulations stipulate that if the loft is to be turned into a bedroom, bathroom, study or playroom, it must have a permanent staircase. The most minimal arrangements resemble a fixed ladder, while a spiral staircase offers an attractive solution where space is tight.

INSULATION

Part L of the building regulations insists on a good standard of insulation. The main reason for this is that loft spaces can be subject to extreme temperatures, getting very hot in summer and feeling extra chilly in winter.

FIRE REGULATIONS

These regulations should be incorporated in your earliest plans. Building materials must comply with standards of fire resistance – check if your builder has this in hand.

Find out more at firespace. org.uk/. If there are several rooms in your conversion, you need to provide an emergency exit to the roof. The easiest, most attractive option is to fit a fire-escape window large enough to climb through in each space.