Loft conversion

[jem1]

Hi, i have recently bought a house with a loft conversion, however we have been told we cannot call it a bedroom as it does not meet certain standards- possibly something to do with the stairs? Can anyone tell me what these would have to be, or direct me to any useful websites? I'm just trying to get an idea of whether it would be possible to turn it into a bedroom.

thanks, gemma

[raysparx]

Hi gemma, if you contact your local council building control office,they will send out a building inspector who will advise you as to the requirements,don't be afraid to ask his advise they are normally very helpful,

good luck,Ray

[buildersmate]

It may be what the above postings suggest. I my view is more likely to be more fundamental than the standard of the stairs - the loft conversion probably does not meet the necessary fire regulations under the Building Regulations. If so, the loft room must be treated as a 'non habitable' room, for storage only. Assuming this loft conversion creates a third storey, above the ground and first floors, there must be 2 criteria met. Firstly there must be a means of exit through a window in the loft room, down the sloping roof to the guttering where a friendly firemen would rescue you. This means the window must be of minimum size, and the sill be between certain distances off the floor. Secondly, the ALL rooms that have doors off the landing on the first and ground floors must be fire doors (30 minutes protection). It is usually this second criteria that is harder to meet.

[jem1]

Thanks to you all for your advice, i think speaking to the council will be a good start!