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Attic conversion

  • 07-01-2021 10:31pm
    #1
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭


    Hi all,

    We are in the middle of getting our attic converted. We are looking to put a bedroom up there but it will only be classified as storage space.

    The house is a 1950s with a purlin roof. I've seen posts online mentioning steels etc but the guy doing our attic is using timber beams to support the timber running to the roof Is this normal ?


Comments

  • #2
    Follow_ur_lead
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 60 ✭✭Follow_ur_lead


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    Hi all,

    We are in the middle of getting our attic converted. We are looking to put a bedroom up there but it will only be classified as storage space.

    The house is a 1950s with a purlin roof. I've seen posts online mentioning steels etc but the guy doing our attic is using timber beams to support the timber running to the roof Is this normal ?

    Hi Kingcon

    Not sure. If in doubt i'd be bringing in a structural Engineer for certification purposes. Probably best way to proceed.


  • #3
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    Hi all,

    We are in the middle of getting our attic converted. We are looking to put a bedroom up there but it will only be classified as storage space.

    The house is a 1950s with a purlin roof. I've seen posts online mentioning steels etc but the guy doing our attic is using timber beams to support the timber running to the roof Is this normal ?

    Nothing wrong with using timber. I done the same. But my engineer Detailed it and certified it.

    What does you engineer say about it?


  • #4
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭kingcon28


    Gumbo wrote: »
    Nothing wrong with using timber. I done the same. But my engineer Detailed it and certified it.

    What does you engineer say about it?

    We don't have an engineer involved........ to be honest I didn't think we needed one as it will be classified as storage space.


  • #5
    Biker1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 399 ✭✭Biker1


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    We don't have an engineer involved........ to be honest I didn't think we needed one as it will be classified as storage space.

    Bedroom in attic conversion and no engineer to advise on fire escape!!!


  • #6
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭kingcon28


    Biker1 wrote: »
    Bedroom in attic conversion and no engineer to advise on fire escape!!!

    I get your point but technically it's classed as storage space as most attic conversions are.


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  • #7
    salmocab
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,467 ✭✭✭✭salmocab


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    I get your point but technically it's classed as storage space as most attic conversions are.

    Even at that the structure of the attic has changed and it would need a structural engineer to sign off. We had the same done a year ago and the builder had an engineer sign off (he specified the materials etc and certified at the end)


  • #8
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭kingcon28


    Thanks everyone. Will get onto builder regarding engineer.


  • #9
    BryanF
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 10,146 Mod ✭✭✭✭BryanF


    I’d argue, storage or not, if there is a permanent stairs to a 3rd floor, all Fire requirements associated with stairway/lobby at ground and first floors should be complied with.


  • #10
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,686 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Do not get the Engineer via the builder. Get the Engineer yourself so that you can be sure they are not some cowboy who will sign anything for the builder.


  • #11
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    I get your point but technically it's classed as storage space as most attic conversions are.
    I appreciate why people go with this, but physics and fires don't care whether you're "technically" following the rules.

    The rules exist for the safety of the occupants of the house, not to give some bureaucrat a job. The fact that you were technically compliant with the regs is scant consolation if someone is killed by a collapsing ceiling or can't escape a house fire.

    If I was planning on using is as office space I might be willing to take the risk. But if I was going to stick a bedroom up there, it's just not worth the gamble, IMHO.

    I know you didn't ask, but I'd implore you to rethink this.


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  • #12
    loyatemu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,329 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    I'd imagine there would also be insurance implications if your using a storage space as a bedroom, and didn't have the appropriate fire safety precautions in place.


  • #13
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭kingcon28


    BryanF wrote: »
    I’d argue, storage or not, if there is a permanent stairs to a 3rd floor, all Fire requirements associated with stairway/lobby at ground and first floors should be complied with.

    Sorry should have mentioned it is a bungalow.


  • #14
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    kingcon28 wrote: »
    We don't have an engineer involved........ to be honest I didn't think we needed one as it will be classified as storage space.

    Irrelevant as you are making substantial alterations to the buildings structure. You need an engineer involved ASAP.
    kingcon28 wrote: »
    I get your point but technically it's classed as storage space as most attic conversions are.

    As above.
    kingcon28 wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. Will get onto builder regarding engineer.

    Do not.
    The engineer should be engaged by you, to protect and advise you, the home owner. He/she should be completely independent of the builder.


  • #15
    kingcon28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭kingcon28


    Gumbo wrote: »
    Irrelevant as you are making substantial alterations to the buildings structure. You need an engineer involved ASAP.



    As above.



    Do not.
    The engineer should be engaged by you, to protect and advise you, the home owner. He/she should be completely independent of the builder.

    Thanks Gumbo and everyone else.

    I will source an independent engineer.

    Appreciate the advice.


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