Loft Room – The main reason for converting a loft is to create a functional space. For some households, at the time of the conversion this space might be just that – undefined space – with no specific plans for how it’s going to be used, but giving options for its actual function to emerge later on, perhaps as the family grows or working from home or hobbies take over other living areas.
However, most of the time, the newly converted room has a specific function it becomes known by, for instance if it’s a games room, study, household ‘breathing space’ or playroom. But when it comes to being a bedroom, a converted loft room cannot be called a bedroom merely because it offers enough space to fit a bed in, or because one has been put in there: a loft needs to be converted for the purposes of being a sleeping area, and in accordance with building regulations, in order to be called a bedroom. This is one of the reasons why some property sales particulars have that enigmatic ‘potential third bedroom, subject to regulations’ statement alongside the dimensions of a boarded and insulated loft space.
“Even if the loft has been converted in accordance with general loft conversion building regulations, the appropriate building control completion certificate demonstrating the conversion complies with the regulations which make the room suitable for use as a bedroom are also required.” says Guy Beaven from Abbey Lofts.
General building regulations for loft conversions mainly require attention to be paid to structure and safety elements which will create a new space which is fit for non-specific household use. Such regulations will generally set out minimum requirements to ensure:
So far, so good but if your loft conversion is going to be used as a bedroom, additional regulations and requirements need to be adhered to, in respect of:
In most cases and areas of the UK, converting a loft room will almost certainly add value to your property – even if the space has only been converted in accordance with basic regulations and is used as a general storage space. But when a two bedroomed property is converted into a three bedroomed with a fully signed off, regulation-compliant loft conversion providing the additional bedroom, the property can then be fully valued as a three bedroomed home. So when you have a fully regulation-compliant conversion, it’s fine not only to call a loft room an extra bedroom, but also to enjoy the extra value, as well as accommodation, it could bring to your property.
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