Attic space

[Goldberg]

Also, depending on what you do, how old is your insulation up there? British Gas will fit new installation (regardless of a been a customer or not, we are not) for free.

[MsDG]

Follow the building regs for this reason alone :-(

Where I agree work should be up to a standard, I believe building regs specify maximum head room... which is impossible for him to comply too unless major roof rework is undertaken.

[mrphil]

Where I agree work should be up to a standard, I believe building regs specify maximum head room... which is impossible for him to comply too unless major roof rework is undertaken.

or the ceilings lowered.... im learning!

possibly with the building regs. planning, council and now the wife, i think i would get 4 no's..... wife is agaisnt the idea already, but does agree to board it out so its alot tidier and we can find things which are stored....but i can then start slipping little bits in there over time

[Mystical_2K]

Hi,

I remembered to take some pics last night but completely forgot to post them (1.5 bottles of wine didnt help!)

anyway here is the main attic as it is now?:

20130911_205105.jpg20130911_205114.jpg20130911_205211.jpg20130911_205414.jpg20130911_205429.jpg

and here is a view of the sides i use for storage of christmas decorations, boxes etc.

20130911_205129.jpg20130911_205146.jpg20130911_205140.jpg

[Larrylakes]

Think I've just found my next project! I've always wanted to convert the loft but my house was built in the 70's so the roof void is quite low. But I like the idea of a bat cave with bean bags. Might pop up there this weekend for a mooch around. My main concern is strengthening the roof joists. I'm pretty good at DIY so that doesn't concern me but it will add cost and reduce the height a little.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[mrphil]

yes thats my problem, roof is very low!
im good at DIY, but come to joinery, pppfffttt im lost!

Wouldnt know how to strengthen the joists, ive read people just screw or nail to the existing joists.... how does this work? your just adding more weight to something that is only doing the job of holding the ceiling up....

someone also said here to attach to the walls etc..... without pictures and diagrams im lost!
thought it was just the simple case of whack someboards down and done lol!

Even if its not a batcave and just storage, that will do, as its just simply not on up in the attic at the moment, cant find anything as its just thrown everywhere!

[Rick Sanchez]

By chance did you put those photos on AV Forums a couple of years ago?

Sent from my Nexus 4

[Geko]

Also, depending on what you do, how old is your insulation up there? British Gas will fit new installation (regardless of a been a customer or not, we are not) for free.

More info on this, please.

[Goldberg]

http://www.britishgas.co.uk/freeinsulation

[Mystical_2K]

By chance did you put those photos on AV Forums a couple of years ago?

Sent from my Nexus 4

you mean me? i dont think so but who knows

[mrphil]

ive worked out the area i want to floor up there, works out to 6.1 sqm...

now im going to buy 3x2 or 4x2, i can get 4x2 on a great deal 12ft for £5, anyway my measurments are width 7ft and length 10ft, so was wonering how many 4x2 i would need running the other way (perpendicular) or what ever it is lol

i worked out 7? having them every foot or foot 1/2, with loft boards running the way the actual joists run, which are 1220mm, and 320mm width... b&q pack of 3 loft boards...

[QfanatiQ]

Think about long term
ie. possible selling the house

I used to do these (planning and BRegs) for a fixed fee (I do not any more due to child and lack fo time)

We have just bought a house that had a loft conversion but no Bregs or supporting paper work. As a result the bank nearly pulled out of offering loan. Luckily at our cost (vendor would not as they had not done the works) we got a Structural Engineer to sign of part.

But it still does not adhere to reg and more importantly fire regs!

We will undertake this ourselves in due course. as I can see the stairs can be done better, I can address the fire issue and we can make a better space and get all the paperwork necessary.

Look in your local area, you have a few choices.
1. Do it yourself at whatever risk. check your building insurance and your then pi in conjunction with this.
2. Do it yourself with the help of building control (local authority) but planning will be required prior. You may be able to do this yourself still.
3. Get a few local builders (WITH PRESIDENT AND AVAILABE PLACES TO VIEW WORKS DONE) who will undertake all works, including planning and Bregs for a FIXED FEE.

If you go for fixed fee, keep it simple, ply floor (you fit finishes) basic skirting’s, plasterboard walls (for you to finish) and simple light fittings. Costs go up if during works you change things. Once you have that cost ask for painted finish to walls.

Get three quotes (if you go down this road)

Look like there is a lot of experience on this site with this issue. So any questions people will no doubt be abel to help.

Good luck.
Q

[mrphil]

thanks, ive decided to just board it for storage now, hence asking the post before yours about the timbers...
to much hassle for a council house!

[Goldberg]

Sensible option. My mate boarded out his council house, pretty much converted it to a bedroom (which to be honest was never used) but if he ever decides to move on then that expense has been lost.