London Loft Conversions
London Loft Conversions
The feasibility and success of any London loft conversion depends largely on the height and pitch of the existing roof. As the local planning authorities of most of the London Boroughs will not normally grant planning permission for roof extensions in London that involve the increase in height of the existing roof unless there are extenuating circumstances, the higher your existing roof is the better. Houses differ quite widely in style and construction, particularly roofs, for loft conversions in North London, loft conversions in South London, loft conversions in East London and loft conversions in West London. Many home owners do not realise that for loft conversion in London to be compliant with building regulations there are some strict head room issues that need to be satisfied.
One of the most important is that the new London loft extension floor must be suspended above the existing top floor ceiling as it needs to carry the loadings of both the structure and habitable use. This will normally involve the installation of RSJ’s into the loft above the top ceiling with the resultant loss of height to the top of the existing roof. Furthermore, if you are having a roof extension in London, the joists for the new flat roof for the dormer must not exceed the highest part of the existing roof and this will have the resultant effect of reducing floor to ceiling height in the same way as the new structural floor. You can expect to lose about 400mm of height from the pre-converted loft space so the minimum that is generally required is 2400mm from the top of the existing ceiling joists to the underside of the existing ridge at the top of the roof. For an existing height of 2.4m this will generally provide a finished floor to ceiling height at the point of entry from the new landing at the top of the stairs of 2m. Strangely there is no limit on the headroom required in the room; it is only at the top herpes pictures of the stairs. Although, most home owners and prospective purchasers for London loft conve!?U
rsions would not be comfortable in a room which had less than 2m (6ft 6 inch) floor to ceiling height.
Therefore, if you have less than 2.4m existing height for your loft conversion in London do not despair. It is still quite possible to get your London loft conversion by a carefully considered structural design which may involve the use of existing load bearing walls of the house instead of inserting steel beams. There are several techniques that can be adopted which go beyond the scope of this blog for London roof extensions and we are happy to discuss your individual case if there are height issues. We have successfully carried loft extension in London with 2.2m, or less, and each case has to be considered on an individual basis as the urban landscape in which the property is located can have an effect on finding the right solution for you.
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