15 things you need to know before converting your loft

Today, with so many of us working from home, the demand for extra space is sparking a resurgence of interest in loft conversions. Estate agents sometimes describe loft rooms as ‘flexible accommodation’ because rooms in the roof lend themselves to a variety of different uses. Although most conversions are designed for use as bedrooms, lofts also make excellent home offices, fully sound-proof and elevated above the brouhaha at ground level. Even where convention is followed, the new accommodation can free up space elsewhere in the house. Either way, the decision to convert your loft rather than build an extension often boils down to hard-nosed budgetary considerations. Loft conversions don’t require new foundations, main walls or roofs, which can make them incredibly cost-effective. Even so, they shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. To do the job properly there’s a lot of detail that needs to be considered from the outset.

1 Does your home have an entrance hall, or an open plan ground floor?

One of the key design considerations with loft conversions is compliance with the Building Regulations Part B – Fire safety. Until quite recently a simple