Basic Loft Conversions

A storage solution, converting your roof space with loft boarding, is the most common and basic loft conversions found in UK homes.

This is to be expected as the dusty roof space is the most neglected and under-used part of the house and if you are wrestling with a lack of storage space in your property, it is such a good idea to convert the loft.

And the good news is that converting the attic for storage is fairly easy and is reasonably cheap.

However the type of work to be done will depend on what you will be storing in your attic space and it is vital to bear in mind that the loft wasn't originally created to be a storage area.

You need to be certain that anything stored there following the conversion doesn't become damp or stale. Modern building regulations demand rigorous insulation standards. So if your attic area is correctly insulated it will ensure that items stored there will remain in good condition.

There are lots of different insulation options open to you including foil back insulation board, blanket type material and even loose fill which, as the term suggests, is a material made from small chunks or pieces of fibre that is simply poured into gaps between the joists.

Obviously when carrying out basic loft conversions the attic space must be boarded out and the joists may need reinforcing if the original ones are incapable of bearing much weight.

Also, if you want to make use of natural light, you could opt to fit a window into the roof.

If there is no light bulb already fitted in the loft, you will need to fit one and have it hooked up to your domestic electric supply.

Access to the loft can be by ladder however it should be remembered that the loft conversion building regulations stipulate that only uninhabitable rooms can be accessed via a ladder.  If your loft is used for anything other than storage you will need to fit a permanent staircase.