Furniture in the atticWe spent a lot of money converting our home in the last couple of months including a complete attic conversion. Because the house is 30 years old the attic was very large and we gained an extra 42 sq m (450 sq ft) by converting. Our dilemma now is that we have a fantastic conversion but cannot seem to get furniture into it.
The stairs are built within building regulations but are quite narrow and we have two very large sky lights but could not get furniture in this way either. I am not a fond lover of flat pack furniture but would use it if we have to. Do you have any suggestions?
We want to use this room as a study / extra TV den room with room for sofa / armchairs etc.
You probably are feeling foolish but your problem is not unusual. It's just a pity that the builders didn't mention it before the job was finished, so hopefully your letter will be a lesson to other attic converters. How much furniture do you actually need?
Working with a carpenter you could design a floor to ceiling shelving unit that has room for books, CD player and TV. The same goes for a work desk - though with the popularity of laptops more and more people are choosing to do without a desk. You haven't been able to get a sofa up there but do you really need one?
A more stylish solution might be to have a deep bench built with storage underneath covered by thick foam custom-made cushions covered in attractive fabric. Single chairs should fit - though make sure you measure before you buy - and if you're looking for a den for teenagers or children, the trusty old bean bag is still a great solution, and a futon will double as a bed and a sofa.
What is radon gas?
I heard about the link between lung cancer and radon gas, but what is radon gas and how do I know if I have it in my house?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Odourless and colourless it originates from the decay of uranium in rock. Radon decays to form radioactive particles in the air.
In open spaces this disperses into the atmosphere but in enclosed spaces - like in houses, particularly those with poor ventilation - radioactive radon particles accumulate to form higher concentrations. When inhaled into the lungs, these particles give a radioactive dose which may over time damage cells in the lungs leading to lung cancer.
You are probably aware that the subject has been in the news over the past few weeks because of the high levels of radon found in houses in parts of Kerry. If you are concerned then do a test - it is simple. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has a testing service that costs €40. Householders place two small radon detectors about the size of a golf ball cut in half into two rooms, a bedroom and the livingroom.
[ www.rpii.ieOpens in new window ]
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Unfortunately, it is not possible to respond to all questions received. The above is a representative sample of queries received. This column is a readers' service and is not intended to replace professional advice. No individual correspondence will be entered into.
