If loft conversions are your area of interest you may be interested in reading through this article. Take a walk through the process as we detail the ...
If loft conversions are your area of interest you may be interested in reading through this article. Take a walk through the process as we detail the various steps involved in the process of converting your loft into a much dreamed of haven of solitude and luxury.
First you need to decide what you want to use your loft for and it is best to approach this aspect of the planning in a purely practical manner. You will be spending money to convert the loft; it should be of value to you at the end of the day. No sense dreaming grandiose dreams of putting in a pool table and inviting all your buddies over every now and then for a pool party if you are seldom home to do any such thing.
The wisest thing you can do is to call in a professional who will get the floor plans approved, planning permission (if necessary) in place and make sure all building regulations are adhered to.
Loft stairs have to be safe and easily accessible. Usually loft stairs are constructed between an existing wall and a custom built partition wall. The wiring for the lighting is usually installed inside this wall, which is a load bearing stud wall to support the stairs frame and steps and also the ceiling joists that are in existence. Once the plastering is completed on the stairwell and the walls, the handrails, lights, switches, balusters and door (if required) can be fitted.
Loft floors are usually installed over the existing floor which is generally weak and cannot take any significant load. A floor frame is constructed to hold the floor joists and then thermal insulation is installed. You will also install radiant heating if required at this time. After the floor is given approval by a building inspector the floor is then sealed with solid pine or hardwood floorboards or flooring materials.
Loft walls and ceiling are usually the same in a loft conversion. This may include the installation of addition partition walls, skylight windows, insulation board, electrical wiring, control wiring and maybe radiant heating. Windows are fitted into the roof to provide light and windows in the loft walls to provide light and ventilation.
Storage in the form of knee wall and cupboards may be built into the bottom of the walls. Then insulation boards are installed and the ventilation requirements checked. Heating pads and lighting fixtures get installed next and then the walls are plaster boarded, plastered and made ready for decoration.
Regardless of whether you wish to convert your loft into a bedroom, home office, study or children’s playroom, adding on a bathroom is a good idea. Most lofts have sufficient space for a bathroom. The kind of bathroom and the fittings you will need will depend on what you are going to use the loft for. If it is going to be used as a bedroom you will need a shower stall and a tub maybe. On the other hand, if it is going to be a children’s playroom you will not require bathing facilities.
The only thing that remains now is to put the finishing touches to your converted loft.
