ATTIC CONVERSIONS DESIGN

There is no one set formula for converting your attic, as every house is different. Thus, different individual design requirements are needed.

It is very important to use the services of an architect when converting your attic.

There are a number of reasons for this.

Firstly, it is not as simple a job as it might look. When you convert roof space there may be consequent implications on the overall structure of the house.

Secondly, as you will see from our sections on planning permission and building regulations, there are strict rules to be observed, so the well-meant advice of the handy-man neighbour could end up costing you a lot of money and instigate possible legal issues as well.

The first basic requirement if you wish to do what is known, as an ‘enclosed job’ is adequate roof height. By the word enclosed, we mean not tampering or increasing the roof pitch and height. Other than putting in windows, usually to the back, the structure of the roof remains the same.

If you do not have the roof height, or the roof timbers are trussed (pre-formed off site timbers) then you need to literally take off the roof and build up and at a sharper elevation. This is the ‘exposed job’, which is an expensive route and should not be taken without careful consideration as to the need you visualize for it.

It is critical to have the services of an architect/engineer in such a scenario. You will need planning permission and some Irish counties have planners with a very prejudiced view of attic conversions.

Your dream idea may not meet their specifications and quite often people are refused permission because of what is viewed as poor design and advised to submit a radically different design. This might not meet your taste or requirement for the attic space.

As you will see from other sections, planning permission is legally required in most attic conversion cases. Seek expert advice before committing yourself to a large financial outlay on a project that may not be legal and could mean a massive devaluation in your home rather than an appreciation.