We help with planning and building regulation compliance: certain alterations come under permitted development, however, when you want to make best use of your loft space you will need to comply with local planning and building regulations.
Most loft floors were never designed to take the additional loads placed on the beams by fitting a loft floor and adding additional storage or furniture items. As a result, the beams flex which is likely to cause the plaster ceilings below to crack. When you want to add loft flooring or create a loft room then the beams will almost certainly have to be strengthened to support the additional static loads.
Most loft hatches can be altered for improved access without planning permission. If you intend to install a permanent staircase rather than ladder access then additional building regulation compliance will be required.
Flush witting or Velux windows do not impact on the roofline and are often allowed without planning permission (Check with your local planning department for your area); however, dormer windows or construction that alters the outline or appearance of the building is going to be subject to local authority planning consent or local bye-laws.
The usefulness of a loft space as a room is governed by the finished ceiling height. In other words, when your loft has a tall pitched roof tree is likely to be a considerable area that can be converted to room space, however, many modern homes only have shallow pitched roof and consequently there is often insufficient space with enough head clearance to make a loft room.
It is possible to alter the roof construction to create space but anything that changes the pitch of your roof will need clearance from the planning authority. A home extension or alternative form of alteration may be required to create extra living space when the loft is impractical to fully convert.
Providing there is sufficient loft height; the trussed rafters can be replaced with an alternative roof support system to open up the loft area. This should be covered within permitted development providing the alterations allow for a safe roof that complies with building regulations.