Attic convertible?

Abiya041

I was wondering if anyone knows if my attic is convertible into a bedroom. I don't think I'll be able to do it from the looks of it.There is not enough space to stand up and I believe the attic is trussed.Is it possible at all?

DOCARCH

Abiya041 wrote: »

There is not enough space to stand up...

Most attics, even trussed, can be converted, but if you can't stand up in the attic space, i would not see much point!

If considering, always get a structural engineer to look.

Gumbo

Abiya041 wrote: »

I was wondering if anyone knows if my attic is convertible into a bedroom. I don't think I'll be able to do it from the looks of it.There is not enough space to stand up and I believe the attic is trussed.Is it possible at all?

Picture and measurements?

Typically most general attics can’t meet bedroom regulations on conversion.

Abiya041

Gumbo wrote: »

Picture and measurements?

Typically most general attics can’t meet bedroom regulations on conversion.

Not to count as a bedroom when selling,just to use as the box room is getting very cramped.I have no idea of the measurements.Will try and put pictures if I can.I would just like to know if it is convertable as most attics you can stand up in but ours we can't

Fine Cheers

As already stated, most attics can be converted but extent of work will depend on roof structure mainly.
Doing something similar myself soon but I can stand up in mine. W trusses but reasonable space in centre as like a pyramid type roof.
Biggest obstacle for me is the water tank. Once moved by a plumber I plan to enhance insulation and sheet out the central area.
What are you planning to put up there - an office or bedroom or other ?
What about access - stira, pull down ladder etc ?
If limited head height then roof can be raised but you are into a serious and expensive project at that stage, planning, fire escape etc if bedroom.

Gumbo

Abiya041 wrote: »

Not to count as a bedroom when selling,just to use as the box room is getting very cramped.I have no idea of the measurements.Will try and put pictures if I can.I would just like to know if it is convertable as most attics you can stand up in but ours we can't

That’s your answer tbh.

salmocab

If you can’t stand up in it then barring some major works it won’t work as a bedroom. However it might be more useable as storage that could take pressure off other arts of your house. Only you would know that though. A kid might sit up there if it was accessible playing the PlayStation but that’d be about as useable as you’d get it with a low roof.

Abiya041

Thanks for all the advice.Much appreciated.I’m attaching the picture of the attic now.I should probably get someone into to double check for a clear answer.If converted the bedroom is for someone a little over 5’1 so I feel if that it has a very small chance of being possible.We’ve used it as a basic storage room so far.

Abiya041

Another picture forgot to attach

Abiya041

DIY KING wrote: »

As already stated, most attics can be converted but extent of work will depend on roof structure mainly.
Doing something similar myself soon but I can stand up in mine. W trusses but reasonable space in centre as like a pyramid type roof.
Biggest obstacle for me is the water tank. Once moved by a plumber I plan to enhance insulation and sheet out the central area.
What are you planning to put up there - an office or bedroom or other ?
What about access - stira, pull down ladder etc ?
If limited head height then roof can be raised but you are into a serious and expensive project at that stage, planning, fire escape etc if bedroom.

Would you have a rough estimate of how much it would cost to raise the roof.It would be ok if it was quite reasonable but I know planning is very hard to get also because we have a end of terrace

Gumbo

Abiya041 wrote: »

Would you have a rough estimate of how much it would cost to raise the roof.It would be ok if it was quite reasonable but I know planning is very hard to get also because we have a semi-detached.

You cant really raise the roof as your roof is attached to your neighbors.

Abiya041

Gumbo wrote: »

You cant really raise the roof as your roof is attached to your neighbors.

Sorry don't know what I was thinking,I meant to say end of terrace.The same applies I guess.Would you know if I would be able to install a dormer onto the roof.Would this help with the height problem?If so is planning permission impossible to get.We have a dormer very close to us. I'm really new to all this so really appreciate the help

pappyirl

Those are pre-fabricated trusses so additional support steel will be required to carry the roof. This will require a structural engineer to review and prepare a workable scheme. Do not allow anyone to start working on the roof without first receiving professional advice, those are engineered trusses with little to no redundancy.

Raising the roof on a terrace is not an option. I would argue there is little point constructing a dormer with the head height you have. It will have to go on the rear of the house. It will never be a habitable room, the head height is not sufficient.

Gumbo

Abiya041 wrote: »

Sorry don't know what I was thinking,I meant to say end of terrace.The same applies I guess.Would you know if I would be able to install a dormer onto the roof.Would this help with the height problem?If so is planning permission impossible to get.We have a dormer very close to us. I'm really new to all this so really appreciate the help

Yes, dormer will increase volume,,but not height as typically the planners want the dormer set 100mm below the existing ridge line.

Deffo possible subject to planning.

Fine Cheers

Not getting a clear picture of the roof shape. Can you get a few external photos maybe front side and back ?
The block wall in the photo - is that your the party wall with your neighbour ?
Dormer wouldn't solve your issue - additional head height would only be for width of window.
If we can get a better idea of roof shape, we might be able to give clearer advice on options.
The trussed roof as installed is not designed for modification but steel beams will allow you to do some alterations.

Abiya041

DIY KING wrote: »

Not getting a clear picture of the roof shape. Can you get a few external photos maybe front side and back ?
The block wall in the photo - is that your the party wall with your neighbour ?
Dormer wouldn't solve your issue - additional head height would only be for width of window.
If we can get a better idea of roof shape, we might be able to give clearer advice on options.
The trussed roof as installed is not designed for modification but steel beams will allow you to do some alterations.

I couldn't get clear pictures but I think the roof is built different.The triangular sides are on the front and the slopes are on the side.I think we share the highest point of attic with our neighbours

Abiya041

I’ll insert a picture here.I think you can see where the problem is.We share the highest point with our neighbour.Our house was the first phase of a new built,don’t know why they built the room that way,the newer phases have similar roofs but don’t share the highest point with their neighbour.Sorry for the late replies.

salmocab

With the shared apex you lose even more useable space, as the highest point would be against the wall not in the middle. Honestly you’re not getting anything worthwhile up there.

DOCARCH

salmocab wrote: »

Honestly you’re not getting anything worthwhile up there.

+ 1

As I suggested previously, if you can't stand up in your existing attic, you are flogging a dead house thinking about converting the existing attic.

Looking at the single picture you posted (of the outside) tells me that you would (possibly) be wasting your time applying for planning to raise the height of the existing roof/adding a dormer.

Abiya041

Am I right in thinking, it is impossible to change roof type as it is joint with neighbour. Of course planning permission would be a big issue but really would like the extra space even if it costs a little bit extra. Thanks for all the help so far.

salmocab

Abiya041 wrote: »

Am I right in thinking, it is impossible to change roof type as it is joint with neighbour. Of course planning permission would be a big issue but really would like the extra space even if it costs a little bit extra. Thanks for all the help so far.

I wouldn’t think it’s impossible but very unlikely, costing a little bit extra is very optimistic, you’d need to rebuild the entire roof to give habitable space and I would guess it would end up cheaper buying a bigger house.

Fine Cheers

For the next step i suggest you get some professional advice from an architect or engineer and or a builder.
Anything is do-able subject to planning of course.
Ballpark cost estimates might make up your mind.
You'd be looking at a brand new roof over the new room to give you the head height, not necessarily replacing all of the existing roof.
There might be attic conversion companies that will give you a free quote.
Also, not sure if apartment complex but sometimes there are restrictions on what modifications can be carried out as per the special conditions on the purchase contract and enforced by the property management company.

Abiya041

DIY KING wrote: »

For the next step i suggest you get some professional advice from an architect or engineer and or a builder.
Anything is do-able subject to planning of course.
Ballpark cost estimates might make up your mind.
You'd be looking at a brand new roof over the new room to give you the head height, not necessarily replacing all of the existing roof.
There might be attic conversion companies that will give you a free quote.
Also, not sure if apartment complex but sometimes there are restrictions on what modifications can be carried out as per the special conditions on the purchase contract and enforced by the property management company.

Thanks for the bit of hope, I'll ring a couple attic companies and maybe get them to take a look before coming to a conclusion

ARJn

Hi so the new build I booked say that my house would have future proof attic trusses for conversion

I am trying to decode this , I think they use attic (room in roof trusses) and it already has a hollow room shaped opening and does not require any steel beam etc for conversion . Would that mean that for a proper attic conversion we needs to do the following :

a) get structural engineer cert

b) floor and walls

c) Staircase installation

d) Windows installation

Am I correct with my understanding ? Also would it be any cheaper to do than standard attic conversion cost ?

C. Eastwood

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119418792#Comment_119418792

Domestic roofs are constructed with Trussed Rafters, not Roof Trusses.

Any chance of a few photos

Is the roof completed or being constructed

Attic Roof Trusses, are the cheapest form of Attic Development for habitable rooms in the attic void provided inter alia the heights given in the Building Regulations 2019 - Technical Guidance Document ’F’ can be satisfied.

see diagram attached below

92BEF3DE-3B44-495E-82EA-438D1E3E18EC.jpeg

muffler

"Domestic roofs are constructed with Trussed Rafters, not Roof Trusses." "Attic Roof Trusses, are the cheapest form of Attic Development"

Some contradiction there!