Unfortunately, not every property can have a loft conversion because of the lack of internal head height.

To convert your roof into useful loft space you should already have an internal loft head height of about 2.2 – 2.3 meters measured from the highest point of your loft, usually below the ridge line, down to the plasterboard of your ceiling directly below. If you have this internal head height then most likely you have enough space to be able to convert your loft, if its much less than this then converting the loft may not be worth even if you thinking to sell the property, because a very low ceiling height in a converted loft most likely will not appeal to potential buyers.

A loft conversion is a highly specified subject and there are a lot of regulations that need to be complied with. For example, the loft will require a staircase, the rooms and roof will need to be insulating, there will be a requirement for natural ventilation to the underside of your existing roof, any additional lighting and power points will need to have certificate, existing doors within your property may  need to be changed to fire rated doors and so on.

Please be aware that this work can not be carried out without building regulation approval. These “Regulations” are in place to guarantee that any project undertaken is built to a standard that is not only safe and environmentally friendly but is also practical and useful. Unless you receive your building certificate from the building inspector at the end of the job, you may not be able to sell your property. The building certificate is a legal document that you will require for future reference so keep it safe.

What to do next

To see if you can convert your roof into useful loft space, contact LLAC – London Lofts and Construction and we will give you free advice, or talk to your local authority building control department. Make sure that you get all the required approvals, in writing, from your local authority. And if the council say you don’t need planning approval, get them to put that in writing too.