Attic Conversion

fatspanner

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Thought i might get myself a little project to do after seeing the threads around Sheds and Kitchens etc.

So i've decided to convert my loft space into my little hide away. Will probably be a computer room and hopefully a mini gym (no idea if a loft could take that much weight though)

Can anyone throw any tips my way on the best way to go about things. I'll stick some photos up as i go along. Are there building regs i need to adere to?

Its a council house that i've recently bought, so is really well built.

The first thing i've done is put in some folding wooden loft ladders in and i've just recently purchased a velux window and flashing kit which is yet to be installed.

Hopefully put some pictures up tonight to give you a better idea of the space etc.
 
i reckon you need regs m8 to mess with the loft,especially if you want to make it legit.
 
what kinda of loft do you have is there just 2 great big jock off perlins like in the old style terraced or is it a newer house with joists all over the place also what size are the joists that you will be laying floor onto ?
 
If you want to do it properly (to comply with building regs) then you are probably going to need to put in new joists (as most attics just have small ceiling joists), it is actually quite a big job. Not as straight forward as putting a ladder in and a few floorboarsd down.
 
If you want to do it properly (to comply with building regs) then you are probably going to need to put in new joists (as most attics just have small ceiling joists), it is actually quite a big job. Not as straight forward as putting a ladder in and a few floorboarsd down.

I really did hope it was as easy as electrics and floorboards :)

It won't put me off just need a bit of guidance and i'll sort it out. I've popped some photos up to give you an idea of the room. The 2 main joists (running wall to wall) measure 7x3" and the others running accross the width are 3x2".

Electrics should be o.k as when we plastered the stairs we ran some cable up so it could have its own supply and not tapping into and of the upstairs circuits.

Hopefully Velux window will be in within the next week or so.

maggot didn't realise you were in Sutton, I'm down the road in Huthwaite. How you fixed for the weekend ;)
 
I really did hope it was as easy as electrics and floorboards :)

It won't put me off just need a bit of guidance and i'll sort it out. I've popped some photos up to give you an idea of the room. The 2 main joists (running wall to wall) measure 7x3" and the others running accross the width are 3x2".

Electrics should be o.k as when we plastered the stairs we ran some cable up so it could have its own supply and not tapping into and of the upstairs circuits.

Hopefully Velux window will be in within the next week or so.

maggot didn't realise you were in Sutton, I'm down the road in Huthwaite. How you fixed for the weekend ;)

if you want to call it a "proper room" rather than "storage area" you will have to get a proper staircase in and not a loft ladder. this is a big job really and would cost a lot depending on the builders you get in but if its just for "storage" i wouldnt bother telling the council unless you have problems with the neighbours.
 
Remember if you have Purlins with cross/tie members you may have to get an RSJ installed so your roof does not fall in;)

You have to remember the roof also;)
 
Remember if you have Purlins with cross/tie members you may have to get an RSJ installed so your roof does not fall in;)

You have to remember the roof also;)

just buy a few brollies and some raincoats. lol.

also when you put your velux in, if you have to cut one of the roof joists, make sure you support it so the velux and the tiles/slate weight is supported
 
I really did hope it was as easy as electrics and floorboards :)

It won't put me off just need a bit of guidance and i'll sort it out. I've popped some photos up to give you an idea of the room. The 2 main joists (running wall to wall) measure 7x3" and the others running accross the width are 3x2".

Electrics should be o.k as when we plastered the stairs we ran some cable up so it could have its own supply and not tapping into and of the upstairs circuits.

Hopefully Velux window will be in within the next week or so.

maggot didn't realise you were in Sutton, I'm down the road in Huthwaite. How you fixed for the weekend ;)


lol i know it well mate you know that building site peveril on huthweight road i worked for them for 5 years and on that site for 2 the perlins the 2 big ones will be fine your gona have to put new stronger ones alongside the 3x2 they wont be strong enough but if you need any more advice give me a shout
 
lol i know it well mate you know that building site peveril on huthweight road i worked for them for 5 years and on that site for 2 the perlins the 2 big ones will be fine your gona have to put new stronger ones alongside the 3x2 they wont be strong enough but if you need any more advice give me a shout

I'm going to buy some joist hangers as manu4life said and run the boards level with the 7x3, but what size joists should i use for the width of the loft?

Maryhinge - Purlins with cross/tie members, can you please explain?

oh and as a guidline what sort of load could this take?
 
If you're putting the Velux in yourself you can use joist straps for wood on wood strengthening. I'd strongly recommend them in a DIY job.

For the joists I'd use 6x2 or 7x2 if you want the extra strength. I dont see why you would be putting in new joists though. Surely you can just ply the whole floor above the existing floor boards? If your existing joists are 4x2 I'd stick with them unless you plan on doing weights etc.

So far as the beam goes you wont be needing it as you're not running stairs to the loft. Don't worry about the roof falling in, as long as you don't make too many changes to the roof supports you'll be OK for sure.
 
I'm going to buy some joist hangers as manu4life said and run the boards level with the 7x3, but what size joists should i use for the width of the loft?

Maryhinge - Purlins with cross/tie members, can you please explain?

oh and as a guidline what sort of load could this take?

very similar to this, where the cross members are used for strength as the wood used is light weight
 
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