attic conversion to storage with fixed staircase and fakro rooflight windows, certs ?

cluelez

I would like to ask for opinion or perhaps advise here, I have finally decided what the project is going to be and I came onto conclusion that I want my attic to become storage.

I wish to make a proper use of the space in the attic of the existing two bedroom property.

First issue is the conflict of opinions whether or not internal attic to storage conversion with fixed staircase and fakro (velux's type) windows at the rear of property requires planning permission or not?

Proposed project of the conversion to storage in the attic is to be completed in County Wicklow area.

The rear of the property is not currently overlooked by any other property (some undeveloped land is present with burnout house (planning permission granted to build school and housing development, due to lack of funds not progressing, so at the moment the rear of property is not overlooked), the public road is visible from about 150-200meters from the property.

out of 7 neighbors, 4 have already converted their attics to storage (with fixed staircases and velux windows installed) without applying for planning permission and without getting any certificates on these.

Could people more educated on the subject enlighten me on the way how can I progress with proposed conversion to storage with fixed staircase and fakro roof-light windows in terms of certification.
Whether I should seek so-called certificate of compliance or certificate of exemption for the proposed project (please excuse me if I made errors on the terminology).

This will be mainly diy project (except structural work where one ceiling joist will require support and cut and in order to insert the fixed staircase, also electrical works would require certified person to complete).

It is proposed to be a relatively simple project where the following alterations will take place: 1) build and install staircase 2) install roof-lights (fakro roof windows) 3) install floor boards over existing joists 4) install electrical points to facilitate artificial light if required

I am in close vicinity to neighbors (as this is mid-terrace house).

Main question would be, what type of certificate is required for such project?
Am I correct saying that the staircase and cutting the joist is the biggest part and only this part would require engineer certificate as the structure of the roof needs to be checked and then once sound the certificate will be issued?

my plan is to pay for the shell first (staircase and structural support/certificate - if needed), then the rest will be completed in phases.

thank you for taking time to read, I would appreciate help on this subject.

BryanF

if you are getting conflicting answers from architects/engineers on your attic conversion, you would be best to provide the local council planner for your area with sketch of what you propose, a site layout (google maps) and a few photos of the house - they will determine whether a sectino 5 exemption can be appiled for or whether a full application is required. an arch can submit appropriate application from there

don't neglect your building legislation obligations:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/BuildingStandards/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1657,en.pdf
normally certified by an arch/eng

cluelez

BryanF wrote: »

don't neglect your building legislation obligations:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/BuildingStandards/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1657,en.pdf
normally certified by an arch/eng

BryanF, thanks for post,

The answers I am getting so far, two inquiries made, note that none of the interested parties visited the property:

1) architect: said that certificate of exemption will be issued upon completion (once he completes the works)
2) 1st builder: said that nothing in terms of paperwork is required for attic to storage conversion

the second part of your post and the link supplier apply to habitable conversions? mine will be storage only (also cost would be much lower as this is the whole idea just to use the space properly and to insulate at the same time, (make it look a bit nicer and useful than now).

Nevertheless I'm still looking for guidance. Can I lodge the photos and questions directly to county council on my own?

BryanF

cluelez wrote: »

storage only

I missed that:o
if its non-habitable then you do not need planning, the velus are to the rear and so depend on distance to boundaries etc - so check the exempted dev regs
BUT ask yourself - do you ever plan on selling? or would you ever see yourself changing your mind and wanting to use the space for an office/bedroom, if so then seriously consider getting palnnign and dpoing the basic fireproofing works and compliances upfront -as you have stated: you can finish it off in your own time.

( Can I lodge the photos and questions directly to county council on my own?

yes of course, just try to be comprehensive & concise.

cluelez

BryanF wrote: »

I missed that:o
if its non-habitable then you do not need planning, the velus are to the rear and so depend on distance to boundaries etc - so check the exempted dev regs
BUT ask yourself - do you ever plan on selling? or would you ever see yourself changing your mind and wanting to use the space for an office/bedroom, if so then seriously consider getting palnnign and dpoing the basic fireproofing works and compliances upfront -as you have stated: you can finish it off in your own time.
yes of course, just try to be comprehensive & concise.

at this point of my life the decision came to make it storage with fixed staircase and roof-lights, obviously the cost is the factor, in the next years I don't plan any major changes to the proposed project, I fell that I wish to complete it with this level of works and then forget about it and to accept that this is it in terms of attic, there is a back garden with some space so perhaps sunroom project would come in next few years, which may be of more interest to me, as it's on the ground level and bit easier easier from access point of view than attic, so attic is to remain as storage, as this will be mainly diy project due to cost factors. Therefore, I wouldn't cry in years time to knock it down and invest in properly converted attic if needs be and if cost permits. For the moment storage only as there is enough sleeping space on the first floor.

cluelez

BryanF wrote: »

I missed that:o
if its non-habitable then you do not need planning

how easy/difficult is to achieve certificate of exemption or certificate of compliance when the staircase will be built and one existing ceiling joist will be cut to allow for entry port to the attic storage?

BryanF

cluelez wrote: »

how easy/difficult is to achieve certificate of exemption or certificate of compliance when the staircase will be built and one existing ceiling joist will be cut to allow for entry port to the attic storage?

i presume your referring to planning:
http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/web/Cork%20County%20Council/Departments/Planning/Forms/Forms%20-%20Word%20Versions/Declarations%20of%20Exemption

you'll find something similar for each county - these are straight forward for an arch/eng and will take approx 1/2 days to prepare & submit

regarding building regs for a non-habitable storage space, you'd be best to consult an eng regarding any alterations to your ceiling or roof structure

cluelez

BryanF wrote: »

i presume your referring to planning:
http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/web/Cork%20County%20Council/Departments/Planning/Forms/Forms%20-%20Word%20Versions/Declarations%20of%20Exemption

you'll find something similar for each county - these are straight forward for an arch/eng and will take approx 1/2 days to prepare & submit

regarding building regs for a non-habitable storage space, you'd be best to consult an eng regarding any alterations to your ceiling or roof structure

yes
I note the following link in my local coco:
http://www.wicklow.ie/Apps/WicklowBeta/Planning/Forms/exemption%20certificate2012.pdf

I wonder does this application covers both

''a section 5 declaration that the conversation doesn't require permission AND a dispensation from building regulations'' ?

Would you know perhaps what it could roughly cost to prepare such application ?

muffler

cluelez wrote: »

how easy/difficult is to achieve certificate of exemption or certificate of compliance when the staircase will be built and one existing ceiling joist will be cut to allow for entry port to the attic storage?

Enough is enough. There is only so much information and advice that can be dispensed on this forum and Im not going to allow you to change the topic title and bluff your way though this process.

You know what you have to do from your previous thread on this matter.

Thread closed.