Attic Conversion FAQs
Attic Conversions, Dublin
Do I need planning permission?
Do I need steel supports?
What is an engineer's certificate?
How long does the job take?
Is my attic suitable for conversion?
Other attic conversion queries?
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases planning is not required once there is no alteration of the roof line and the velux windows are on the back of the house. These types of attics are most common and are classed on paper as a storage area, although most likely they are used as spare bedroom or study etc. DORMER WINDOWS:Having a dormer in the attic space allows for a little more head room where the roof is coming down towards eves and these types of attics do need planning as we would be altering the existing roofline. Back to Top
Do I need steel supports?
Yes. In almost all attic conversions steel is necessary for roof support. We have come across some attics that we were asked to redo as no steel was used and the roof had sagged by up to four inches in the centre.Although we don't get many heavy snowfalls, (as in the early '80s) attic conversions without steel would be a hazard to attics in the event of such a heavy snowfall upon your attic converted roof. Back to Top
What is an engineer's certificate?
An engineer's certificate is a document supplied by an engineer after a survey is carried out on the finished attic conversion. This certificate provides peace of mind for the customer as it informs you that the conversion is (in their opinion) structurally sound and within the current building regulations. Also, this certificate is required for the sale of your property and should be given to your solicitor to be placed with the deeds of the property. Back to TopHow long does the job take?
The average attic conversion normally takes ten working days to complete. If, however, you are installing an en-suite add on two days. Larger attics, usually bungalows, can take up to four week's, depending on specifications and size. Back to TopIs my attic suitable for conversion?
Most attics are suitable for conversion and it doesn't matter if you have a truss type or hip type roof. What really matters is the height in the middle of the attic. This is a personal choice for the customer as to their attic conversion needs.As an example, the lowest attic we have converted measured five foot from the top of existing ceiling joist to the bottom of the rafter in centre of attic space. This is quite low but suited the customer for their loft conversion requirements. Back to Top