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Habitable spaces (i.e. a bedroom) require 50% of the floor area to have a finished ceiling height of 2.4m (just under 8 feet). If your roof is a little under 2.4m high, you may be able to achieve habitable status with the addition of a Dormer window or dormer extension, but this will have an additional cost.
Every attic has the potential to be converted, however, not all attic spaces are ideal candidates for conversion. Our company has a policy of not accepting projects where the starting height of the attic is below 2.3 meters.
During the conversion process, larger floor and ceiling joists, as well as insulation, must be installed, which can cause a reduction in height by 200mm to 400mm. This means that starting with an attic height of 2.3 meters can result in a finished space with a height of only 2 meters at its highest point. At our company, we believe that it is not in our clients’ best interest to undergo a conversion that would result in such limited headroom.
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If you have a hipped roof, there are a few things to keep in mind when creating a new room in your attic. One challenge with hipped roof houses is that the existing stairs are often located on the outside wall, which doesn’t provide enough height for new attic stairs. However, in rare cases, the stairs may be located on the opposite wall, making it easier to install new attic stairs.
Here are your options for creating a new room in your attic:
- Installing a large Velux window on the hipped side of the roof to gain some head height. Note that this may not always be a viable option.
- Constructing a new wall and door in one of the main bedrooms to create a corridor for the new stairs.
- Altering the roof profile with either a side dormer window. Both options will provide the necessary height for new attic stairs to be positioned directly above the existing stairs.
Yes.
However, the Dublin Area Development Plan has established guidelines and new rules surrounding side Dormer Windows. Side dormers must be lower than the main roof.
If your roof is already low, aside dormer is rendered useless. In this instance, a ‘Dutch Hip’ would be better as it will keep the new section at the same height as the main roof.
If you’re converting your attic into a habitable space, it is necessary to work with an architect who can create the necessary plans and apply for planning permission.
However, if your intention is to use the attic as a non-habitable space, there are professional contractors who can complete the conversion without the need for an architect’s drawings. These contractors are familiar with building regulations and it is advisable to consult with them regarding these regulation
The Health and Safety of your family should be the absolute priority of any professional contractor. These certificates ensure the work has been done in line with building regulations. In addition to this, when you sell your home or re-mortgage it, you will need to produce these certificates as proof that works have been carried out according to the building regs. Banks will not loan money to potential buyers on houses that cannot produce these certificates. Best not to go down these route folks in our opinion.
More than likely, the answer will be, Yes.
In some circumstances, steel will not be required. However, a structural engineer needs to make this decision. Steel beams will transfer the load down through the block walls instead of onto the ceiling joists and walls below. It is a stronger and safer option. The steel beams should be sized according to the distance to be spanned and the load upon it.
Long term exposure to condensation within a roof space can lead to to the structural roof timbers rotting. It is also essential to ventilate for the comfort of the occupants using the space.
When installed on the insulation’s warm side, it will assist in limiting vapour transfer through the wall or ceiling to prevent condensation.
Insulating your attic conversion is important for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps to regulate the temperature in the new space, ensuring it remains comfortable throughout the year.
Secondly, proper insulation can significantly reduce energy costs by reducing the amount of heat lost through the roof.
Thirdly, it can help to reduce noise pollution, making the space more peaceful and enjoyable to use.
By choosing a professional attic conversion company in Dublin, you can be confident that your insulation will be properly installed, ensuring the full benefits of insulation are realised.
- Insulation: Installing proper insulation is the first and foremost step to keep your attic conversion warm. The insulation needs to be installed to a U Value of .16W/m2.
- Access hatch doors: Access hatch doors are common weak points that can cause a lot of heat loss. It is essential that these doors are sealed and insulated correctly.
- Windows: Windows are another weak point in an attic conversion that can cause heat loss. Double glazing is the minimum requirement but triple glazing is preferred for maximum insulation.
- Air tightness membrane: An air tightness membrane installed correctly is also great to reduce unwanted airflow, which is another factor that contributes to heat loss. By taking these measures, you can ensure your attic conversion stays warm and cozy all year round.
When considering insulation options for your attic conversion, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, the most commonly used and trusted insulation materials are PIR (polyisocyanurate) and PUR (polyurethane) rigid insulation. This type of insulation is widely recommended by architects and BER assessors in Ireland.
While spray foam insulation is becoming more popular, it is not necessarily the preferred choice for architects and has received some negative feedback regarding exposure to chemicals and difficulties in insuring homes with spray foam insulation.
When choosing your insulation material with your professional contractor, it’s vital to understand that materials effectiveness in keeping your home warmer for longer. The effectiveness of insulating material is measured using a ‘U-Value’ – this measures how much heat is conducted through the material and how much heat passes through your home. Correctly installed insulation will have a low U-value, meaning small amounts of heat will pass through.
Yes, as a homeowner, you may be eligible for grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for attic or rafter insulation. Ensure your insulation meets the minimum U-values of 0.16 W/m2 for ceiling insulation or 0.20 W/m2K for rafter insulation as required by the program. Learn more about the scheme and see if you qualify by visiting SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie.
In Dublin, Ireland, selling a previous 3-bedroom house as a 4-bedroom house after an attic conversion is subject to certain regulations and requirements.
The conversion must meet the standards set by the local building codes and regulations, and must pass inspections to ensure that the living space is safe and habitable. It may also be necessary to obtain planning permission and building regulations approval from the local authorities before selling the property as a 4-bedroom house. It is recommended to consult with a professional and experienced Architect for more information on the specific requirements and guidelines for selling a house after an attic conversion in Dublin.
An attic conversion can potentially add significant value to your home. The amount of value added will depend on several factors such as the quality of the conversion, the size of the space, the location of your home, and the current real estate market. On average, an attic conversion can add up to 20-25% of the value of your home.
It depends on several factors. What outcome do you want from the additional space? How big is your budget? How quickly do you want the work complete? This is a broader conversation for you to have with your loved ones and with your Professional Con tractor – an attic conversion may not be the best option for what you’re aiming to achieve.
Some notable differences:
-An attic conversion can cost up to 50% less than a ground floor extension
– An attic conversion typically takes ten days to complete
– An attic conversion can be completed with minimal disruption to your day today.
– Most non-habitable attic conversions do not require planning permission but always discuss this with your appointed Contractor.
1. The budget available conversation for you to have with your loved ones and with your Professional Con tractor – an attic conversion may not be the best option for what you’re aiming to achieve.
2. The thermal improvement required.
3. The time available to complete the works.
4. The needs of the client, i.e. ensuite, office, bedroom etc.
When considering converting your attic, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:
- Height: The height of your attic is an important factor to consider as it affects how much usable space you’ll have. Attics with a height of at least 2.3 meters are typically best suited for conversion.
- Structure: You’ll need to check the structure of your attic to see if it’s suitable for conversion. This includes the roof and floor joists, the roof itself, and any load-bearing walls.
- Insulation: You’ll need to insulate your attic properly to make it a comfortable living space. This will help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup in your attic conversion.
- Access: You’ll need to consider how you’ll access your new attic space. This may involve installing a staircase or creating a hatch.
- Planning permission: Depending on your location, you may need planning permission to convert your attic. It’s important to check with your local authorities to see what’s required.
- Cost: Attic conversions can be expensive, and it’s important to budget for all associated costs. This includes materials, labour, and any additional equipment that may be required.
Although attics are a common choice for conversions, they can be quite complex. To ensure your conversion goes smoothly, it’s important to use a good contractor and take the time to plan the conversion properly. This is time and money well spent.
To bring materials into the attic, the most common and cost-effective method is to bring them through the house and up the existing staircase, and then through the ceiling. However, if desired, we can arrange to bring the materials in via scaffold through the roof space. Before we start, we take great care to protect all flooring and surfaces to ensure that your home is kept in pristine condition.
Yes. A qualified Electrician must carry out all electrical work, as improperly designed/installed fittings and inadequate wiring can constitute a serious fire hazard. Particular care is required with the design and installation of recessed lighting systems.
If you are having electrical work done and an addition is made to your electrical installation, your electrician must check (as well as other things) that the earthing and bonding you have are up to the required standard. This is because the safety of any new work you have done (however small) will depend on the earthing and bonding arrangements.
If there’s a fault in your electrical installation, you’ll get an electrical shock if you touch a live metal part. This is often because the electricity may use your body as a path from the live part to the earth part. Earthing is employed to guard you against an electrical shock. It does this by providing a path (a protective conductor) for a fault current to flow to earth. It also causes the protective device (either a circuit breaker or fuse) to modify off the electrical current to the circuit that has the fault. For example, if a cooker features a fault, the fault current flows to earth through the protective (earthing) conductors. A protective device (fuse or circuit-breaker) within the consumer unit switches off the cooker’s electrical supply. The cooker is now safe from causing an electrical shock to anyone who touches it.
Bonding is used to reduce the risk of electric shocks to anyone who may touch two separate metal parts when there is a fault somewhere in the electrical installation supply. By connecting bonding conductors between particular parts, it reduces the voltage there might have been. The types of bonding generally used are the main bonding and supplementary bonding.
Yes, we build a new platform in the eave space and move your tank there. That way it is still accessible but out of the way so you can utilise the floor space.
Short answer, No. Please don’t make any attempt to do this yourself. The impacts could be very costly and easily avoided.
Yes, we have preferred Qualified Plumbers that we partner with on our projects.
The plumbing requirements depend on the intended use of the space, such as a full bathroom, wet room, or just a toilet and basin.
Our experienced plumbers will assess your space and make recommendations on the best location for your bathroom fixtures. Considerations such as limited headspace in slanted roofs may impact the choice between a bath or shower. Plumbing can be complex, as it must work around your existing house plumbing. Installing fixtures as close as possible to existing supply and water pipes will save costs and avoid the need to move or extend pipes.
Proper pipe gradient must also be maintained for proper waste flow. To minimize changes, our plumbers recommend keeping the existing waste pipes in their original location.
Getting water supply to your attic conversion is not complicated. We’d always recommend going for an electric shower as you will not have to worry about fitting a water tank to the small space you have in your attic (and it’s more cost- effective). If you have a combi-boiler or thinking of getting one, it will help heat the water instantaneously. With this type of boiler, it’s also easier to get water up to other areas of your bathroom such as the toilet and basin.
It is more aesthetically pleasing to match your new attic conversion stairs to that of the household. We’re with you on that thought process! Most houses in Ireland have pine or teak handrails, and these can be matches quite easily.
Part K of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2014
Yes. Your professional contractor will know the requirements to ensure your new attic conversion stairs meets all the building regulations, but just so you’re aware, guidance on stairways includes:
Please note these regulations are in place for you and your family’s safety.
- Max 42 degree pitch
- Min 220mm going (where your foot goes)
- Max 220mm rise ( Height of step)
- Min 1,900 mm headroom
- Min 800mm wide
No. The landing’s width and going should be at least as great as the smallest width of the flight. So for an 800mm wide staircase, the landing must be at least 800 mm wide.
No, ideally the new stairs fit above the existing stairs running along the house wall. This is done in a bid to minimise the loss of floor space in the attic.
Fire Detection and Alarm systems: An attic conversion transfers a two-storey house into a three-storey house and will mean several Fire Safety Regulations you need to comply with. When an existing house’s roof space is converted to create an additional storey, a fire detection and alarm system must be provided following the requirements for a new dwelling house.
Fire Protection to structural elements: A three-storey house has higher fire resistance requirements than a two-storey house. The fire regulations imposed on an attic conversion aim to restrict the spread of fire between two floors and protect against the premature collapse of the floor in the event of a fire. The new storey floor will be required to provide the fire resistance requirements for a new three-storey dwelling. Any new structural elements in your attic conversion such as floor beams or columns should be provided with the required resistance level.
Fire safety and electrical implications: Your professional contractor should only partner with Qualified Electricians to ensure the electrical work Is carried out. Poorly designed or installed fittings and inadequate wiring can be the start of a fire.
Fire safety and the stairway: Your professional contractor will need to create a fire-protected stairway and may include upgrading some of your doors to self-closing fire doors, each new attic room to have a window or roof light for escape and/or rescue.
Part B of the Building Regulations sets out mandatory fire safety requirements, and Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) shows how to comply with Part B. TGD B can be accessed on the web at: Fire Safety regulations Part B
Yes, interconnected mains powered smoke alarms with battery back up must be installed at all storey levels within the stairs enclosure.
I’m glad you’ve asked! The vast majority of attic conversions do not require planning permission . If you’re not making any structural changes, interfering with the house’s overall external appearance and the works are mostly internal, the planning permission is not required. The positioning of ‘Velux – style’ windows matter also. If windows are proposed to the rear of a house, you are exempt from planning permission. If Velux windows are proposed to the side or front of the house, planning permission is required. Even if you intend to convert your attic for storage, it’s always worth investigating whether planning permission is required before you do anything.
If you intend to make your attic conversion a habitable room and raise the height of the roof through a ‘Dormer Window’ style conversion, then this will alter the appearance of the house and planning permission will be required similarly, as mentioned above if you’re re positioning Velux – style windows to the side and/or front of the property.
From the planning authority for your area, i.e. your local County Council, City Council or Town Council.
A fee is payable with an application for planning permission. Fees for the different classes of development are listed with the application form. You must pay the correct fee with your application as the planning application will be returned to you if it is not paid. Allow anywhere from 3,000 to 5000 euro for planning fees if engaging an architect or engineer.
Start: Notice published in newspaper and site notice erected
2 Weeks Later: Latest date for lodging application
Between 2 weeks and 5 weeks: The planning authority validates application. Submissions or objections are considered.
Between 5 and 8 weeks later: Planning authority issue notice of their decision on the application. (Alternatively, they may request further information.)
4 weeks after issuing a notice of decision: If no appeal is made, the planning authority will issue a grant of permission, or outline permission, except where they have already indicated a decision to refuse.