From loft to bedroom

Turning an unused loft space into a warm and welcoming bedroom will take your home to new heights

Converting a loft is the easiest and most cost-effective way of gaining extra space in your house. It involves far less red tape than building an extension and you don't have to sacrifice part of your garden or alter the exterior appearance of your house. A loft can create a much-needed extra room or transform the upper part of your house into a soaring light-filled space.
"Attic rooms/spaces - with angles formed by the planes of the roof, the potential for top lighting and panoramic views - have their own special appeal," says Terence Conran.

Will your loft be suitable?
The shape of the existing roof will determine whether a loft can be transformed into living accommodation. Traditional rafter and purlin constructions (built before 1965) are the easiest to convert while modern trussed rafter designs (introduced in the 1960s) are more complicated. The next step is to work out whether your loft is big enough for conversion: there is no longer a minimum ceiling height requirement for habitable rooms (ie, rooms other than kitchens and bathrooms) but much less than 2 metres would not be practical. In most cases, the existing ceiling joists will need reinforcing by fitting new, deeper joists and this will reduce the overall height of the room.
Some rafters or beams may have to be removed to gain enough clear space, in which case load-bearing walls at first-floor level can be used to provide the necessary extra support. You also need to consider the position and size of existing water storage tanks and services and whether these will need to be moved. Soil stacks will have to be repositioned away from any new windows.

Staircases
Loft ladders are only suitable for an area that is to be used purely for storage. You will need to install a proper staircase. A wide range is now on offer from straight flights to winding designs that help maximise space, many in wood finishes. You may have to extend the ceiling opening for conversion materials to be manoeuvred into the space or if you plan to install large pieces of furniture or a bath.

Windows
The most crucial element in transforming a loft into a bright, airy living environment is the windows but they are also the factor most likely to concern the planners. As a general rule the lower the pitch of the roof, the longer the window needs to be to get the best possible view.
A dormer may be necessary to increase the amount of floor area with adequate head height and this may require planning permission. If converting your loft will create a third storey you must install an escape window. If you are putting in a bathroom or shower room, the windows should be designed to withstand condensation.
Windows should also be easy to clean - designs that pivot on special hinges are ideal. Any window that can be installed from the inside means you won't have to erect scaffolding. Windows facing the sun need blinds or shutters to filter strong light and make the room feel snug in winter. The best way to curtain sloping windows is to use lightweight fabrics attached to a pole or bar at both top and bottom.

What legislation will be involved?
Building regulation consent will always be required when a loft is converted into a habitable space - unofficial conversions may still be subject to both planning and building control even after the project has been completed and are likely to make the property difficult to sell in the future.

All construction work involving loft structure, access, fire protection, emergency exit and ventilation must comply with regulations - contact your local authority planning department for further information. Most conversions will not require planning permission but this will depend on whether:

you live in a conservation area

your property is a listed building

you wish to install dormer windows at the front of the property facing the road.

any part of the loft conversion will be higher than the existing roof.

Getting started
If you need professional help from specialists such as an architect or builder, you should always try to get several quotes for the work involved and obtain references before making any decisions. For details of registered loft conversion contractors in your area, contact the National Register of Warranted Builders (020 7404 4155).

An essential guide to loft conversions is available from The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT (0207 692 4000 - the guide costs £2.50).

The Loft Shop supplies a wide range of products for use in lofts and loft conversions including roof windows, escape windows, loft ladders and staircases; it also uses wood from sustainably managed forests. It has branches around the south of the country and has produced The Loft Shop Guide to Loft Conversions and the Building Regulations. Call 01903 500738 for further details.

Velux specialises in loft windows and accessories and has a number of useful publications - call 01592 772211.

Sleep easy
A pared-down look works well in an attic where rafters and beams are prominent. Painted in pale colours, they can act as a screen, separating a sleeping area from the rest of the roof space. Bedrooms at the top of the house are always popular with teenagers and guests as they give a degree of privacy.

Storage secrets: a built-in wardrobe utilises the awkward space beneath the eaves.

Guest bedroom
A single divan bed fits snugly under the eaves to create a useful extra bedroom. There is something particularly cosy about falling asleep in a bed tucked away under the eaves.

A room for all reasons
With careful planning, a loft space can fulfil many functions. A table positioned to make the most of the light enables the area to double up as a study. A chest of drawers and a sofa bed means it can easily be transformed into a spare bedroom for guests. Use mirrors to brighten dark corners.

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