If you’re considering a loft conversion, it’s essential to do a preliminary survey. A preliminary survey involves assessing the suitability of your loft for conversion, identifying potential issues, and determining the best design options for your space. By conducting a preliminary survey, you can save time, money, and hassle in the long run, avoid potential problems, and ensure that your loft conversion is feasible and suitable for your needs.

In this article, we’ll cover the main topics you need to consider when doing a preliminary survey for your loft conversion. We’ll discuss roof structure, head height, and space, providing tips and advice on how to assess each of these factors.

Roof Structure

The type of roof structure you have will affect the loft conversion process. There are different types of roof structures, such as traditional cut rafter and purlin roofs or trussed roofs. Traditional cut rafter and purlin roofs are typically found in older houses built before the 1960s, while trussed roofs are usually found in newer houses built after the 1960s.

Traditional cut rafter and purlin roofs have more space and flexibility for conversion, while trussed roofs have less space and require more structural alterations for conversion. Trussed roofs can be converted by replacing the trusses with steel beams or by inserting new timbers between the existing trusses.

When assessing your roof structure, it’s essential to consider the structural support needed for the conversion and the design options available. Consulting with a structural engineer or architect can help ensure that your design is safe and suitable for your roof structure.

Head Height

Head height is another critical factor to consider in loft conversions. The height of your loft will affect the feasibility and comfort of your conversion. The minimum head height for a loft conversion is 2.2 metres, measured from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest part of the room.

You’ll also need to consider the head height requirements for the staircase leading to your loft conversion. The minimum head height for a staircase is 1.9 metres at the centre and 1.8 metres at the edges.

To measure your head height, you can use a measuring tape or a laser level. If your loft is too low, you may need to raise the roof, lower the ceiling of the rooms below, or opt for a dormer or mansard conversion. If your loft is too high, you may need to add insulation or soundproofing to reduce heat loss and noise.

Space

Space is another critical factor to consider when doing a preliminary survey for your loft conversion. The amount of space you have will affect the usability and design of your loft conversion. The minimum space for a loft conversion is 20 cubic metres for a terraced house and 50 cubic metres for a semi-detached or detached house, according to permitted development rights.

When considering the design of your loft conversion, it’s essential to think about the minimum space requirements for different types of rooms. For example, the minimum space for a bedroom in a loft conversion is 7 square metres with a minimum width of 2.15 metres, according to building regulations.

Assessing your space and determining the best design options will depend on the layout and size of your loft. If your loft is too small, you may need to extend it with a dormer, hip-to-gable, or mansard conversion, or combine it with another room below. If your loft is too large, you may need to divide it into multiple rooms or add storage solutions to make use of the extra space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a preliminary survey is an essential step in planning a loft conversion. It involves assessing the roof structure, head height, and space to determine the feasibility and suitability of your loft for conversion.