ᐅ Home Renovation/Attic Conversion/What Is Allowed? When Can You Convert an Attic?
Created on: 11 Oct 2013 17:02
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LittleBee
Hello Forum,
I am a beginner in the interior finishing sector and looking for information. We would like to extend our house. Specifically, we want to convert the attic into usable living space. We have obtained the zoning plans from the city to check what is allowed and what is not.
The documents include the following statement: "For two- or more-story buildings, the maximum permitted roof pitch is 30°. An attic conversion is not permitted."
Question 1: How is an attic conversion defined?
Question 2: Our current roof has a pitch of 20°. If we raised it to the allowed 30°, we would create enough floor area to make the story habitable. Would that be allowed?
I hope someone here can help me. We are at a loss. Thank you.
LittleBee and family
I am a beginner in the interior finishing sector and looking for information. We would like to extend our house. Specifically, we want to convert the attic into usable living space. We have obtained the zoning plans from the city to check what is allowed and what is not.
The documents include the following statement: "For two- or more-story buildings, the maximum permitted roof pitch is 30°. An attic conversion is not permitted."
Question 1: How is an attic conversion defined?
Question 2: Our current roof has a pitch of 20°. If we raised it to the allowed 30°, we would create enough floor area to make the story habitable. Would that be allowed?
I hope someone here can help me. We are at a loss. Thank you.
LittleBee and family
L
LittleBee13 Oct 2013 16:05Just to clarify:
Is there a difference between a "roof conversion" and an "attic conversion"? Or are they really exactly the same?
Is there a difference between a "roof conversion" and an "attic conversion"? Or are they really exactly the same?
This question should be answered by your building authority officer. Even though I’m writing here that it’s the same situation for me, maybe your local regulations are different and you will get approval for your two rooms? Basically, the issue is that you want to use the attic as living space – which is not allowed according to the development plan. How you create the living space doesn’t matter to the authorities. But perhaps you can obtain a permit? It’s always worth trying – talk to your local building authority, they will be able to help you.
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Bauexperte14 Oct 2013 11:29Hello,
The first term is used colloquially, while the second is the correct construction terminology. In building terms, only the difference between the attic floor and the loft is recognized.
Best regards, Bauexperte
LittleBee schrieb:
Just to clarify:
Is there a difference between a "roof conversion" and an "attic conversion"? Or are they exactly the same?
The first term is used colloquially, while the second is the correct construction terminology. In building terms, only the difference between the attic floor and the loft is recognized.
Best regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte14 Oct 2013 11:35Hello,
There’s a bit more behind this than “just” raising the roof pitch to the permitted level. The ceiling above the top residential floor is likely not a concrete slab nor a load-bearing collar beam structure intended for living spaces. A simple floor only needs to support decoration and similar light loads; however, once technical equipment and furniture are added, the structural engineer will certainly have a different view.
If your local authority rejects this for your location, they will have their reasons. I’m curious to see what information you receive from the building planning office.
Regards, Bauexperte
LittleBee schrieb:
But I still hope there’s a loophole. After all, we just want to create 2-3 rooms. No dormers, no raised knee walls, no other changes. Just a roof pitch increase up to the allowed limit!
There’s a bit more behind this than “just” raising the roof pitch to the permitted level. The ceiling above the top residential floor is likely not a concrete slab nor a load-bearing collar beam structure intended for living spaces. A simple floor only needs to support decoration and similar light loads; however, once technical equipment and furniture are added, the structural engineer will certainly have a different view.
If your local authority rejects this for your location, they will have their reasons. I’m curious to see what information you receive from the building planning office.
Regards, Bauexperte
L
LittleBee14 Oct 2013 11:52Thank you all! We will now schedule an appointment with the building authority to present our request.
@Bauexperte: Actually, the floor is even covered with screed. So, load-bearing capacity shouldn’t be an issue. However, if it turns out to be possible, we would definitely have a structural engineer involved anyway, because we want to remove a few walls on the lower residential floor. But for now, that’s all just speculation. First, we need to find out what is allowed and what is not.
If you’re interested, I’ll share the outcome.
Best regards
@Bauexperte: Actually, the floor is even covered with screed. So, load-bearing capacity shouldn’t be an issue. However, if it turns out to be possible, we would definitely have a structural engineer involved anyway, because we want to remove a few walls on the lower residential floor. But for now, that’s all just speculation. First, we need to find out what is allowed and what is not.
If you’re interested, I’ll share the outcome.
Best regards
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