loft conversion legalities

[evedawn]

We have a loft space that is accessed from the bedroom. It has a permanently placed step ladder to get up to the loft. The loft floor is boarded.
If we put a properly installed (i.e by a registered electrician) power point in the loft could we legally use the space as a study / office? TIA

[jackthehat]

You can legally use the loftspace, but I would suggest that you have a good look at the ceiling joists underfoot. These were not designed or installed to take imposed loads from above, and are certainly inadequate for usual 'habitation'.
Consider what furniture you may wish to use and the weight of it all, etc. before you go too far.

[honky-tonk]

This link may help you http://www.loft-conve...ding-regulations.html

[evedawn]

thank you to both.

so we can use the loft space as an office / study without planning permission etc?
There are no dormer windows or anything. Simply very sturdy flooring (not double joisted though) and we want to put 2 electric sockets for the pc if we decide to move it up there. We have no fire door - but as we will not be sleeping up there will that be required?

ps I READ the site you kindly gave but am still confused.

[honky-tonk]

If you plan to convert any part of your house into a room to be habital space then yes you will need to comply with building regulations.

[jackthehat]

Informal 'study' use will require NO permissions. You can't sell the house and claim that the loftspace is a conversion, however, just because it is floored out, but providing you are sensible with how much weight or stuff you put up there, you should be fine.

[buildersmate]

I'm not sure I agree with JTH's terminology here ("you can legally use the loftspace").
It is true that it is not unlawful to go up there but, without Building Regulations approval, it is classified as non-habitable space. So one COULD use it as a study/office but it COULD be unsafe.
This has nothing to do with Planning Consent (which is not required) - Planning Consent equates to "I want to build a new structure" whilst Building Regulations is all about "will the structure and the use I am putting it to be safe".
What you are proposing does not meet Building Regulations and will never do so unless:
you ensure that floor imposed loading are adequate - as mentioned by JTH
you insert adequate insulation between the loft space and the outside to meet minimum thermal regulations
in virtually every two storey property where the loft would be the 3rd storey, you provide a fire exit corridor from the new loft space to the outside down the main access stariway - in most cases this involves changing every internal door adjoining into the hall and landing to be a 30 minute fire-door

[evedawn]

Thanks all of you. I think we will safely Salk an electrician to put some points up there and use it as an office / study area with 2 desks, thanks