Converting an Attic to Storage - Need for Fire Doors

Blisterman

Have planning permission to convert an attic in a two storey house for storage with stair access. The low ceiling height precludes it being used for a bedroom.

The building Regs require for the conversion of an attic to a habitable space, that the staircase be protected with all doors leading to it being self closing fire rated doors.

Am I correct in my assumption that because the attic will only be used for storage, that this doesn't apply and there is no need to upgrade the existing doors?

As an aside, the UK regulations, which I'm more familiar with, don't require fire doors in a private residence to be self closing. Any idea why Ireland calls for this? The regulations are otherwise nearly identical.

Gumbo

Blisterman wrote: »

Have planning permission to convert an attic in a two storey house for storage with stair access. The low ceiling height precludes it being used for a bedroom.

The building Regs require for the conversion of an attic to a habitable space, that the staircase be protected with all doors leading to it being self closing fire rated doors.

Am I correct in my assumption that because the attic will only be used for storage, that this doesn't apply and there is no need to upgrade the existing doors?

As an aside, the UK regulations, which I'm more familiar with, don't require fire doors in a private residence to be self closing. Any idea why Ireland calls for this? The regulations are otherwise nearly identical.

Permanent stairs to the attic means to me that the attic level will be accessible and habitable. Will you have lighting, plug sockets, windows and the finish be painted and floored? If so then its habitable.

Appendix D of TGD Part B (Fire Safety Volume 2) 2017 will give you guidance.

Blisterman

The building regulations defines it as:

Habitable room - A room used for living or sleeping purposes but does not include a kitchen having a floor area less than 6.5 m2, a bathroom, toilet or shower room.

No mention of finishes or lighting.

Its planning permission is solely for storage use, so if the place were to be sold, it could only be advertised as such. In any case, the headroom is too low for it to meet building regs for a habitable room.

sydthebeat

as the regs state..... the requirements have to match the use.

if its only used as storage, then it should be fine.

However, if its used for living, or could be used for living ie if its heated, ventilated, finished out as a habitable space etc then it would need to comply with TGD B, regardless of the height of the room.