Looking for a loft conversion in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, or anywhere else in South Yorkshire? CK Architectural can help
The CK team designs extensions in Sheffield and South Yorkshire and gives you the best guidance, choices and solutions. We will evaluate the site, property and planning issues with your needs and offer you options.
CK Architectural
How do i get started with my project? View our tried and tested 5 step process!
Looking for a loft conversion in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, or anywhere else in South Yorkshire? CK Architectural can help.
Our architectural team runs through every step of your loft conversion with you to ensure you’re receiving the best possible solution. All your unique needs will be considered whilst considering cost and build ability. We have completes hundreds of amazing roof conversion spaces, led by the client not the builder
Our expert designers can guide you through the process seamlessly, from roof lifts, loft conversions, dormer roof extensions and gable to hip extensions, all from the same 5 star rated business.
The loft conversion process
Any kind of loft or roof conversion is an incredible way to maximise the space in your home using facilities you already have, boosting your property value and improving your quality of life all at the same time.
We offer specialised and tailored services designed to fit you and your unique needs perfectly, offering expert advice and guidance the whole way through the conversion process.
We also offer a project management service to help you carry out your project with efficiency and accuracy to minimise stresses and complete to project with the utmost care. This ranges from us helping you to choose the builder and outlining contracts through to regular site checks and using us as your communication point where required to prevent any disputes.
Design considerations
When beginning the design process, there are two things to consider carefully. They are the height after conversion and the impact any stairway will have on the floor beneath.
You are required to have a minimum of 2.4m head height (from top of the ceiling joist to under the side rafter) in the conversion, and building regulations require a minimum of 1.9m over the existing flight of stairs to prevent collision.
Bathrooms and en-suites will need further careful design as the connection to water and waste will need to be considered as well as the previous points too.
The internal height is always a factor to remember too, as the angle of the roof sometimes makes it difficult to see where you can stand and place the stairs.
Quite often an engineer will need to design and calculate any changes that might need to be added to the wall loadings and roof timbers, but this is something we can help with as well in the process.
Finally, we can then look at further options with the layout to help you get the perfect space to suit. We’ll work with you in every aspect of this to make sure it’s exactly what you want with as little compromise as possible.
We update you every step of the way through the entire project
Planning permission
Planning permission is something that needs careful consideration with any renovation. A good thing about converting the loft is that it can sometimes be converted under permitted development, and even roof extensions and dormers can be done this way.
It is possible to add up to 40 cubic meters on a terraced property or up to 50 cubic meters on detached and semi-detached properties.
Even if you do need planning permission, with careful design and consideration, we can make it work with the character and style of your home which gives the project more chance of success.
When it comes to helping you achieve the extra space you want, CK Architectural will always offer the best advice.
Loft conversion permitted development rules
1. No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that fronts the highway.
2. No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof and similar materials.
3. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
4. Side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
5. Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, to be set back at least 20cm from the original eaves.
6. The roof enlargement cannot overhang the outer face of the wall of the original house.
7. Roof extensions not to be permitted development in designated areas such as AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty), conservation areas, listed building etc.
Building regulations
Legally, Building Control need to be involved when altering the structure of a roof and building certificate required for the re sale or insuring of your property.
When creating habitable rooms like bedrooms, it is more than the structural integrity that will need upgrading. When designing a roof, your architect or architectural designer must consider the following:
- Structure, the new floor joists and roof will need to be supported; this is generally done via steel beams designed by an engineer.
- A protected fire route must be provided, this is 30 minutes all the way down to the final exit, existing doors will need upgrading to fire doors.
- Detection and sounded alarms will be required and need to be interlinked.
- The stairs will need sufficient headroom 2.0M and not be too steep (under 42 degrees).
- Reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below
All the designs we present to you will be with the intention of passing building regulations and construct able. Take a look at our Building Regulations Guide.