Matters to Consider
Available Head Height
Type of Roof Structure
Available Head Height
Head height needs to be measured from the top of the floor joists in the loft, to the underside of the ridge beam.
Although the building regulations permit head heights of 2.2m, a far more comfortable height once a new floor covering has been laid and the ceiling finish has been applied is 2.4m.
The Roof Pitch
Type of Roof Structure
Available Head Height
Generally, the steeper your roof pitch, the easier the loft conversion will be, with most angles above 30 degrees working best.
And the steeper the roof pitch, the more head height will be available (see above).
Type of Roof Structure
Type of Roof Structure
Type of Roof Structure
There are two main types of roof structure: a cut roof, or trussed. A cut roof uses rafters, joists and purlins and leaves the majority of the triangular space below free. A trussed roof uses W-shaped trusses (or supports) that provide a braced support and run through the cross section of the loft — effectively blocking some of the void that you will need in order to create a usable space.
Water Tanks
Water Tanks
Type of Roof Structure
If your water tank is located in the loft you will need to find a new spot for it.
Alternatively, you may wish to consider getting rid of the tank entirely, opting for a mains-fed combination boiler or pressurised unvented hot water cylinder instead.
This can be located elsewhere in the house (such as in an airing cupboard).
Chimneys
Water Tanks
Staircase
If there is a chimney stack in your loft then you may wish to remove it to make more space. It is vital that you consult a structural engineer and employ the services of a good builder in this case.
While this is undoubtedly a job that will add to costs and timescales, it won’t prevent you from converting your loft. If you adjoin a neighbour, check how this may affect their structure and complete any party wall requirements.
Staircase
Water Tanks
Staircase
Even if you have the required amount of headspace available in your loft you may run into difficulties if you don’t have enough space for a staircase up to it.
The building regulations require a minimum of 1.9m of headroom at the centre of the flight, and 1.8m at the edges (where there will be sloping roofs). You will also need to allow space for the staircase on the floor below.