There are many reasons to convert a loft space, but one of the most common is to create an extra bedroom. With an extra bedroom, properties become immediately more desirable and valuable – adding a bedroom can increase your home’s market value by as much as 20%.
But what are the rules about making your converted loft space into a habitable room? Can you just list a loft as a bedroom without any issues?
How to Convert a Loft into a Bedroom – The Key Points
- Only some loft rooms can be a bedroom – additional regulations must be followed.
- Bedrooms require proper fire escapes, additional insulation, and proper headroom.
- Converting a loft to a bedroom is an excellent future investment and provides the bright and beautiful bedroom you have always wanted.
The Difference Between Loft Room and Bedroom
For a room to be considered a ‘bedroom’, it must have a bed. For many, this simple and obvious definition should be how you classify a loft as a bedroom, but government regulations are a little more stringent and precise.
When does a loft become a habitable room such as a bedroom? The true answer is all in the word “habitable”.
Habitable means that it can be lived in, and humans need a few things to make a bedroom safe. While it’s OK to have a playroom with a slightly low ceiling or work in an office space with only a ladder for access, a bedroom can’t be quite as flexible. There are a few requirements that must be checked off.
The Legal Bedroom Requirements in the UK
All loft conversions must follow some regulations. For all rooms (bedroom or not), the following must be true:
- The structural integrity of the floor, ceiling, roof and adjoining walls must be suitable.
- External changes need to be appropriate.
- A fire escape window is required for emergencies.
- Access to the stairway is essential.
- Rooms should be appropriately soundproofed.
Those all make the room usable. Habitable, however, as in the case of bedrooms, means the following must also be faithful:
- There needs to be suitable headroom. Forget the argument that you will spend most of the time in your bedroom lying down(!), the regulations state that there must be enough headroom across one entire side of the bed such that there is no hazard presented by the ceiling.
- The room needs to be warm. Bedrooms have stricter rules regarding insulation, including a minimum of 50mm of roof insulation.
- There must be a full fire escape route to the front door. This means there needs to be:
- A full staircase. A ladder is unsuitable, and many spiral staircases must meet regulations.
- Two metres of headspace throughout the route.
- Fire resistant materials lining the route. All walls and doors need to meet fire standards with at least 30 minutes of minimum resistance.
In short, bedrooms need to be warm, good to stand up in, and have suitable fire escapes.
The Value of Your Bedroom Loft Conversion
As long as it is properly installed, any loft conversion will add value to your home. However, bedrooms are an extra draw and will make your home stand out significantly compared to others in the local area.
It is not unusual for a room in the loft that has been properly signed off and classified as a bedroom to raise the overall selling price of the property between 10 and 20%, especially in areas where larger family homes are much sought after and in limited supply.
If you are considering a loft conversion and don’t know whether it is worth meeting the extra regulations to ensure the space can be used as a bedroom, speak to a local estate agent to see how the conversion might improve your home’s desirability.
Of course, the value of your new bedroom isn’t just financial. The true worth lies in the space and how you can now use it. Well-designed loft conversions are spacious, filled with natural light, and warm – it could be that your new bedroom is the room you want to spend the most time in!
Loft Bedroom Conversions FAQ
Do you need a window in a loft bedroom?
Yes. All loft conversions require a window as a fire escape and to provide appropriate ventilation.
Do you need planning permission to convert a loft into a bedroom?
That depends more on the type of loft conversion than the end use. Velux and dormer loft conversions are less likely to require planning permission than larger hip-to-gable or mansard conversions. In many cases, a room can meet the regulations of a bedroom without the need for planning permission.
How do you convert a loft into a bedroom?
At London Lofts Ltd, we offer full service from design to finishing touches. Why not contact us to see what is possible in your home?
How do I get my loft conversion signed off as a bedroom?
The local building authority will provide the documentation that your loft conversion is officially a bedroom. They will need to visit, and you must provide them with all the paperwork regarding your loft conversion and its professional installation. Using a reputable company such as London Lofts Ltd. is essential to ensure everything has been done correctly.
Is a bedroom loft conversion cheaper than an extension?
A lot depends on your property. Why not read our guide on evaluating loft conversions vs extensions?
How much does it cost to put a bedroom in the loft?
There are many different types of loft conversion, from the simple addition of windows, through to large mansard conversions that effectively add an entire story to the home. Read our guide to loft conversion costs for more information.
Can you list a loft as a bedroom when selling your house?
As long as all the regulations have been followed and your loft conversion is officially signed off with the local building authority, this will be no problem. However, the estate agent must see the appropriate paperwork before listing your property.
Adding a New Bedroom with London Lofts Ltd.
Why not contact us today at London Lofts Ltd.? Our specialist team will be happy to discuss your loft conversion needs and help you create the bedroom of your dreams. We look forward to hearing from you.
