ᐅ Attic Conversion – Architect or Contractor?

Hello everyone,

My wife and I are planning to take over my parents-in-law’s house. The already developed roof structure is to be extended/enlarged, for example with a large dormer and a small roof terrace. In addition, another house entrance with an external staircase to the roof is needed, ideally with preparation for senior-friendly access.

We are now wondering whether a good roofer/steelworker (for the roof terrace) is sufficient or if it would be better to involve an architect for the planning. What do you think?

Thank you very much and best regards

Since this is a construction project requiring a building permit/planning permission, you need to hire an architect. It should also be checked in advance whether the existing converted roof structure was approved by a building permit/planning permission at the time of renovation. In my experience, this is not the case in 90% of all converted attics, so a building permit/planning permission for retrospective approval will be necessary, which can be combined with the planned extension.

The architect must also verify beforehand whether an attic conversion is generally permissible under building and planning law (zoning plan or Section 34 of the Building Code, number of full storeys, floor area ratio, building coverage ratio, setback requirements) and must include all legal requirements regarding fire protection and the second means of escape. These planning and cross-trade services are not provided by any contractor. Therefore, there is no way around involving an architect—and a structural engineer as well.