Before transforming your loft, establish whether your structure is sturdy enough to carry extra weight. The joists and walls should also be strong. If you intend to expand the roof to increase space and head height, ensure that you do it based on the structural safety standards. Sometimes, adding reinforcement to the roof structure or installing extra support may be necessary to ensure the conversion is safe and sturdy.
Fire doors
These doors are crucial in an attic. Install fire doors in your loft to ensure safety during a fire breakout. Building regulations stipulate that you should build a safe corridor that leads from the loft to the outside of the house. It would help if you changed all the doors along the escape route to fire-rated doors. The corridor with fire doors will enable the loft occupants to escape if there is a fire in the house.
Windows
Every loft conversion must have a window that a person can use to escape from the house if the stairs are unsafe. According to building regulations, windows should have a width of 450mm or more to meet this requirement. The windows should be sold while fitted with non-locking fasteners. It is also advisable to use release restrictors. The escape windows installed in the loft should be easy to get to and near eaves level, which is essential if the rescuer is outside. If your attic is larger than 50m² or has more than two rooms, confirm with the local building control whether there are other fire safety requirements that you need to have.
Door closers
Nowadays, building regulations permit homeowners to fit their fire doors without self-closers because some homeowners complained they look ugly. The most important thing to note regarding fire doors is knowing how to use them correctly. Always ensure they are closed to secure the escape route, especially at night.
Smoke alarm
Installing a smoke alarm is another effective way of ensuring the safety of your apartment. There are specific regulations that you have to adhere to, such as:
- Smoke alarms must be installed far from cooking areas and radiator
- You should install at least one smoke alarm on every floor in the house
- Ensure the smoke alarms are fitted over 30 cm from the closest light fitting and walls. They should be installed in circular areas like the landings and hallways and 7.5m near an occupied room.
- All smoke alarms must be interconnected so that when one alarm is triggered, all the alarms in the house will produce a sound.
- Every new smoke alarm installed must be wired to the mains to avoid the issue of dead batteries.
Electrical connections
All wiring and electrical tasks must be done by a trained electrician who can adhere to British building regulations. The expert should have a Building Regulation Compliance Certificate and an electrical certificate to show they can be trusted to do a safe job.
Ventilation
Like any other room in your house, your loft will also need sufficient ventilation to prevent mould and dampness, which can cause diseases. If your loft has a bathroom, you should buy an extractor fan.
Plumbing
If you will install a bathroom in this room, hire a reputable plumber to install it professionally because they will observe sanitation and drainage regulations.
Insulation
Insulating your loft is crucial to make it as cozy as possible with the right temperature. Insulation will help you keep the cost of energy low. You will require a minimum of 270mm of insulation in the loft to guarantee that your property complies with energy efficiency standards.
Staircases
It would be best to have ample headroom over the stairs, basically 2.3 metres. The stars should also be strong and offer an escape route if there is a fire. Remember that the law prohibits most ladders and retractable stairs.
Heating
Installing electric heaters makes more sense than stretching a gas central heating system to this new space. Ensure that you seek the services of a skilled electrician or engineer to install the system safely.
Wrapping Up
A loft conversion can present new safety challenges in your home, but you can overcome them if you follow building regulations and hire professionals to do the job.
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