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Building Control - Roofspace Conversions

A Building Regulation application is required for roofspace or attic conversions where it is intended to provide:

• an extra bedroom,
• a bathroom,
• a playroom,
• a study or office,
• a floored storage area,
• any other habitable accommodation.

Where the intention is to store lightweight items such as suitcases or general household goods etc., then the provision of loose boarding is usually satisfactory. An application would not be necessary in this instance provided that the storage area is accessed by a ladder with a pitch greater than 55° and not a new staircase.

Ceiling joists are not normally intended to act as a floor and are not designed to support heavy loads. Therefore it is necessary to make a Building Regulations application where the proposed use is for anything other than light storage.

A building regulation application is also required if any part of the roof structure is going to be altered.

Why is it necessary to inform the Building Control service?

Building Control administer and enforce the Building Regulations, on behalf of the Council, to make sure that buildings are constructed and altered to acceptable standards of health and safety. If such works are carried out without their knowledge and approval, future property sales could be jeopardised when solicitors acting on the purchaser's behalf carry out conveyancing procedures.

Roofspace conversions are sometimes considered to be simple. This is often not the case. They should be designed and constructed carefully by people who are aware of the many health and safety aspects which affect the occupants. The following points are important and must be considered in roofspace conversions.

1. Floors, certain walls and doors need to be able to resist the effects of a fire for a specified period of time, usually 30 minutes in a typical domestic situation. This is essential to ensure safe escape in the event of fire or other emergency.
2. It is critical for the new area to have a safe and easy exit route in the event of fire.
3. It is necessary to provide an automatic smoke or heat detection system to give early warning of a fire.
4. Means of escape windows are an important area for consideration.
5. The new floor must be checked to ensure that it can safely support the additional loads placed upon it without suffering collapse or excessive deflection.
6. Ventilation must be considered to most room areas to avoid unpleasant conditions.
7. Condensation can cause problems. Some roofspace layouts and roof construction types require careful consideration to allow for provision of ventilation. A vapour check barrier may also be required.
8. It is necessary for the walls and roof of the conversion to keep out the weather and dampness and to reduce heat loss.
9. If a bathroom or shower is to be included, additional measures are required with regard to drainage and ventilation.

Other approvals

In addition to Building Regulations consideration should also be made to Town Planning requirements.

Important Notice

Building Notice Applications - Building Regulations

You are advised that irrespective of the amount of technical information which is provided with this form of application the plans are NOT checked before or during the works for compliance.

Compliance with the Building Regulations is only achieved after all necessary inspections have been carried out and agreed and a certificate of completion is issued.

Due to the limited nature of the information which is normally submitted with a Building notice application the following problems regularly occur with this type of application:-

Where the proposal is to provide a room in the roof space of a two or more storey dwelling, it is advisable to discuss the requirements for means of escape and the fire protection with the Building Control Surveyor before any works are commenced.

The existing stairway must discharge at ground level into a protected area (not into a open plan area i.e. a lounge or other habitable room) with access to the final external escape door.

In all case it is advisable to contact the Building Control Surveyor before any work commences.

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