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An Introductory Guide to Loft Conversion Access

This means that you’ll have to adhere to the Building Regulations and fire safety rules that this entails, and you’ll also have to think about access. It’s so important, therefore, to use a specialist loft conversion company to convert your loft. Loft conversions Leyton wide need to ensure that Building Regulations are followed so that the new loft room is safe and suitable for habitation, and a specialist loft conversion company can make sure this happens.

If you want to learn a little bit more about why this is so important, read on.

Adding Floors to your Home

A loft conversion will effectively change your home from one storey to a two storey property or a two storey to a three storey property. This is important in terms of Building Regulations because:

•   If you are turning a bungalow into a chalet bungalow with a loft conversion, the Building Regulations are quite simple. A two storey home only requires a smoke alarm on each floor, as well as an escape window in your newly created loft conversion.

•   A loft conversion which takes a two storey home to a three storey home is a little more complicated. You will have to follow more in-depth Building Regulations, which include the likes of a fire-protected staircase, with fire doors at each end. You will also need to ensure that the staircase leads to a door through which you can exit the property.

Types of Staircase 

A loft ladder is not considered adequate for a loft conversion, and as such the room will not be classed as habitable. You will need to install a proper staircase which meets Building Regulation standards. 

However, where there is not room for a full staircase, it may well be possible to use a ‘space saving’ staircase. A specialist loft conversion company will be able to advise on this and will make the relevant checks with your Building Inspector and local authority as applicable.

You can still add elegance to your staircase, and there is a range of options available, including those with glass balustrades or solid wooden spindles. You won’t have to scrimp on style to meet Building Regulations approval.

Space for Stairs

The other consideration for your staircase will be where it will be placed. You have a few options available to you, which include:

• Using an existing room in your home as a walkthrough to the staircase. This will, of course, limited the use of the current room.

• Partition an existing room to create a stairwell. This will make your existing room smaller, but it will stop the problem of people having to walk through a room to access the staircase, essentially maintaining the privacy of anyone in the old room.

• Creating a continuation of your current staircase where head height allows.

The best way to work through all these points is to employ a specialist loft conversion company to carry out the project. That way, all Building Regulations will be followed to the letter, you’ll have the best available space available to you in your new attic room and you’ll have all options explained so that you can make informed choices. Ready to step up into your loft? Then speak to Bespoke Lofts today!

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