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Attic conversion in stages

  • 28-12-2017 07:29PM
    #1
    June18zellie
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 41 ✭


    Hi guys,just looking at getting my attic converted to another bedroom,

    Wanted to know if anyone would know someone that could do it but at first I just want the rafters moved,windows installed and that’s it,i was going to do the floor myself,also need the electrical done and plumbing,that’s it?the rest I’ll do in stages and prob on my own.

    Any suggestions or tips


Comments

  • #2
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    What about structure, fire regs, access, ventilation etc etc?


  • #3
    June18zellie
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 41 ✭June18zellie


    muffler wrote: »
    What about structure, fire regs, access, ventilation etc etc?

    Thanks for the reply,im looking at doing it all in stages and looking at spending €5000 to get it started,then over a period of time do it in stages.


  • #4
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    June18zellie wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply,im looking at doing it all in stages and looking at spending €5000 to get it started,then over a period of time do it in stages.
    Yes, I understand about doing it in stages but I was just pointing out or rather, asking, if you had the roof structure checked and adequate support designed for the project? Also if your access to the room will comply with part K of the building regs. ie. light, ventilation, insulation, fire escape etc

    If you have all the boxes ticked then I dont see why it cant be done in stages but given the various factors involved in a conversion like this it is more sensible (finance aside of course) to have all the work carried out in a set time frame.


  • #5
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,812 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    I would suggest getting the proposal professionally assessed to ensure that a compliant conversion can be fitted into your attic.
    If so, a full design can be drawn up and then i would suggest you are good to go in stages. You should retain your professional to inspect the structural alterations and any hidden works. After that, it should be possible to go at your own pace and final certification shouldnt be too difficult if you follow design.


  • #6
    June18zellie
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 41 ✭June18zellie


    muffler wrote: »
    Yes, I understand about doing it in stages but I was just pointing out or rather, asking, if you had the roof structure checked and adequate support designed for the project? Also if your access to the room will comply with part K of the building regs. ie. light, ventilation, insulation, fire escape etc

    If you have all the boxes ticked then I dont see why it cant be done in stages but given the various factors involved in a conversion like this it is more sensible (finance aside of course) to have all the work carried out in a set time frame.

    So would I need a structural engineer or a architect or both?


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  • #7
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    June18zellie wrote: »
    So would I need a structural engineer or a architect or both?
    If its just a single bedroom then there shouldnt be any need for an architect but you certainly should engage a structural engineer. Just make sure he has PI cover and is conversant in all aspects of the Building Regulations and not just structure. As mentioned above by mickdw the engineer will also be in a position to sign off on the works once they are carried out in accordance with the regs. This is something that will be of benefit to you possibly in the future if you ever decided to sell or mortgage/remortgage the property or, God forbid, if you had any structural defects or a fire occurring at any time. If you dont comply with building regs then your insurance would be null and void.

    The chances are that you wont need planning permission but you should check this out as there are certain conditions that must be complied with in order to leave the development exempt. Your engineer should also advise on this aspect of it.


  • #8
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    This leaflet will tell you most of what you need to know regarding the conversion and how it should comply with regs.


  • #9
    1874
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,417 ✭✭✭1874


    muffler wrote: »
    If its just a single bedroom then there shouldnt be any need for an architect but you certainly should engage a structural engineer. Just make sure he has PI cover and is conversant in all aspects of the Building Regulations and not just structure. As mentioned above by mickdw the engineer will also be in a position to sign off on the works once they are carried out in accordance with the regs. This is something that will be of benefit to you possibly in the future if you ever decided to sell or mortgage/remortgage the property or, God forbid, if you had any structural defects or a fire occurring at any time. If you dont comply with building regs then your insurance would be null and void.

    The chances are that you wont need planning permission but you should check this out as there are certain conditions that must be complied with in order to leave the development exempt. Your engineer should also advise on this aspect of it.


    How do you go about checking someones PI? if they have it and are paying for it, Id hazard a guess they are willing to supply it, but how do you know it will carry on into the future? Im not sure how that works but its something Ive considered regarding getting any large works done, so if a carpenter is carrying out the actual work, Id expect them to have insurance also in the event the work was substandard.

    I say this on the basis of one extension I saw where the house exterior wall and the roof was all extended, its on a relatively new house and the roofiles of the extension are clearly not in line with the original roof like it sagged.

    So, PI from engineers and tradesmen? how do you ask and confirm its current and how do you know it will stay in force? if there is some issue in the future?


  • #10
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,812 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    1874 wrote: »
    How do you go about checking someones PI? if they have it and are paying for it, Id hazard a guess they are willing to supply it, but how do you know it will carry on into the future? Im not sure how that works but its something Ive considered regarding getting any large works done, so if a carpenter is carrying out the actual work, Id expect them to have insurance also in the event the work was substandard.

    I say this on the basis of one extension I saw where the house exterior wall and the roof was all extended, its on a relatively new house and the roofiles of the extension are clearly not in line with the original roof like it sagged.

    So, PI from engineers and tradesmen? how do you ask and confirm its current and how do you know it will stay in force? if there is some issue in the future?

    Its actually quite a silly system. A policy is required to be in force at time of any claim therefore you dont really have any assurances that a policy that is valid today will be there in 5 years time.
    Other than using well established professionals, you have little assurance imo. Whsn recession came about, there were a few people caught out with Engineering businesses disappearing without trace.


  • #11
    muffler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,749 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    mickdw wrote: »
    Its actually quite a silly system. A policy is required to be in force at time of any claim therefore you dont really have any assurances that a policy that is valid today will be there in 5 years time.
    Other than using well established professionals, you have little assurance imo. Whsn recession came about, there were a few people caught out with Engineering businesses disappearing without trace.
    Have to agree. PI is for indemnifying against claims made in the current year i.e. the year in which cover is in place.


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