Building Regulations and loft conversions

In this clip we explain everything there is to know about loft conversions and the Building Regulations.

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[NeverLeaveIt]

Well done for this well presented video depicting real engineering considerations and the dangers of poor execution. Ticks every box for the challenges ahead. Be safe all.

[MinkieWinkle]

It's not necessarily illegal loft conversion. It was not meant to be a conversion. Some people genuinely needed loft storage, like me. And since it is not a conversion. And will never be used as one. It isn't subject to the same standards.

[aleksandrspirozenoks]

My question is always about the wall around protected stair, they need to be fire rated but how does one prove rating of existing walls 30 or 60 min. Moreover, if one can't prove the fire performance of walls around the stairs or needs upgrade, how doe this actually work? Does the stair need to be taken down, walls upgraded with layer of plaster to both sides and then rebuilt?

[Shamsi]

She's wrong to criminalise and condemn people who haven't sought planning. You don't necessarily require planning for many loft conversions just a good carpenter

[rustynuts]

She's purposely making it seem harder than it is, to sell whatever it is she needs to sell. The clasic ... create a problem, offer the solution and profit.

[codegreen]

So basically "don't do a loft conversion" I'll do what I want to my house thanks anyway though. Came here to find out the main things that I would need to do to be compliant, but just got a video of some woman telling me that it'll cost me my life savings.

[davejones]

So you need a completions form to say that all the building works have, been carried out other wise this could cause problems when your looking to sell your property.

[JB-tpyn]

It's a good video with sound advice (I'm a Chartered Surveyor and see lots of loft conversions - and not just old ones - that are way short of BRegs standards) BUT has anybody checked the text that scrolls acroos the bottome of the screen? "Low bearing walls"??

[christinajambo]

I learned a lot from this video, thanks .

[patchadamsme]

People have lived just fine in houses that had "loft conversions" a hundred years ago. Suddenly every home improvement requires an expert and a pile of fees.

[DavidJohnson-dclu]

Sheesh if these people were this thorough with buildings in general, 70% of the new builds would never get a completion certificate, and why not just make a rule where all attics in new builds are attic conversion ready, to save all this fuss. I am surprised nothing was really mentioned about electricity, plumbing, heating, waste removal and all the systems, wires and pipes involved. I suppose if you are working with builder who does know how to fill out a full plan or building notices, and neither makes you call in the building inspector at the start, middle and end of the project, you probably have been working with a cowboy.

[rickwhitehill]

She is wrong on some counts as bungalows do not require the same control as two story houses. For example the rules around stairs and fire doors. Don't be put off by this video, talk to your local authority.

[flynnjp]

She is trying to dissuade people from converting their lofts...

[stevem-yl]

I am sure my "useful space" conversion was done over 35 years ago, as it was there when i bought the house 34 years ago,
Its only a scalextric room anyway

[bigjak]

Is she gona tell me how i use the toilet aswell. This is my gaf .

[richardliiddle]

It's not illegal if you tell potential buyers or renters that is useful space if it was being advertised as a bedroom this would make it illegal

[klasykapolskiegohh]

Alot of negative comments about information presented here.
You can do what you want with your lift and live in it, but... illegal loft conversion will most likely invalid your house insurance, your roof might colapse if support beams have been altered with, you will have alot of problem to sell your house as mortgage providers moght not lend the money for illegal loft convertion

[RamKumar-juvs]

Some Building inspectors do not  check thoroughly; they come and have social talk with workers and builders then go! only a few do there job properly. I experienced when our work was being done. Sorry !!

[JohnUk]

if no planning.. your need a building notice..

[blueboxsketch]

I bet she's a barrel of laughs at the office. Oh Karens brought her sick cat in again today 🙄