Conversion tables

People often believe that converting an attic is easy because the structure is already there, but it can be complicated and very expensive. You would be unlikely to get away with simply lining the space with floorboards and plasterboard. Sadly, it is not that easy. Although an attic conversion will probably be cheaper, it may make more sense and be more practical to build an extension or another storey on top of your house.

Stairway to attic

A crucial question is where to put the stairs as they can take up a huge amount of space. You may be able to fit them on to a landing but if they need to go into a room you have to ask yourself whether the new attic space will compensate for losing part of a bedroom to accommodate the stairs. You can have 2ft wide stairs instead of 3ft but they will still take up valuable space.

Fire regulations

Complying with fire regulations in an attic conversion is really important, as smoke rises and it is harder to escape from the building. A bedroom in an attic with a pull-down ladder can be a death trap. You may think you are well used to using the ladder but if you've had a few drinks, are in a panic, can't see through smoke or aren't feeling well it can be difficult to climb down it in a hurry.

Get permission

It may be more difficult to get planning permission to make the roof higher although you may be able to extend the ceiling space outwards with dormer windows. Before putting in any Velux or dormer window you need to check whether you need planning permission to do so.

Get up, stand up

The attic will need a reasonably high ceiling to work as a room. The first step is to go and stand in the attic space: if you can't stand upright, forget it. By converting it you will just be creating a very expensive storage space. It will only really be worth converting if a substantial part of the centre of the roof, say a 6ft stretch, is at least 8ft high. If you're lucky you'll get this with an older house but very few modern homes will have this type of clearance unless they were designed with an attic room in mind. You really need to get an architect to have a look at your roof space as they can tell you within three minutes whether you are facing a massive building project or just a fit-out.

Choose a method

You have a choice whether to get your own professional adviser (an architect) to draw the plans and then find a builder to do the work, or employing an attic conversion company to do the complete package. Both methods can cost around the same price. If you do get an attic conversion company to do the whole package, it is essential to get certificates from it stating that the work is either exempt or complies with fire, planning and building regulations. If you don't have these, you will run into trouble when you come to sell the property as the surveyor will ask for them. If the conversion doesn't comply you will have to redo the work before selling the house. If you employ an architect and builder, part of the architect's job is to ensure that the conversion complies with all regulations.

Let in the light

The great advantage of attic conversions is the light they let in through Velux windows so you need to take advantage of this by using large, strategically placed ones. Light naturally travels downwards so attics can have a wonderful quality of light. You can even design it so that a light well placed strategically in the ceiling under a Velux window will take the light down into the lower part of the house. People react subconsciously to light and will sit in the brightest part of the room. The attic room must be well insulated and ventilated to stop it boiling in summer and freezing in winter.

Don't live up there

An attic conversion can work well as a bedroom or workroom but it would not be realistic to use it as a living room - it is two floors up from the kitchen and so would rarely be used.

Strut your stuff

Pitched roofs are supported by a framework of rafters, ceiling joists, posts and struts, which may need to be cut to allow you to use the extra space efficiently. You need to get professional advice before changing any of it. Modern houses, especially, have a network of trusses that resemble a house of cards. Remove one and the whole structure becomes unstable. Because it could be disastrous to cut out any of it, you need an engineer or architect to advise on altering these.

Beyond the bumf

Don't believe that the picture in a brochure represents what your attic conversion will look like. All attics are different and the beautiful brochure picture will represent just one scenario.

Making space

When converting the attic you need to create the illusion of space so, as well as having plenty of natural light, it should be decorated in bright colours. A good way of using the space is to box in the bases of the sloping roof and use it for storage.

Martin Lynch runs his own architectural practice specialising in residential building and refurbishment. Tel: 01-496 6822