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Attic Conversions | GT Building Design | County Down

Attic Conversions

With over 35 years experience in Architecture my goal is to take care of all your architectural design requirements, whether you require plans drawn for obtaining planning permission or building control approval. I specialise in residential designs and can help with your loft / attic conversion. As a qualified member of CIAT I can guarantee you my expertise and a reliable, professional service. Please contact me for advice, no obligation. Thank you, Glenn 

An attic conversion is an ideal method of extending your home. Conversions may generally be considered to be a simple procedure; however, this is not the case. They need to be carefully designed by a professional fully aware of all Planning Policies & Building Regulations.

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How can I help you? With over 35 years experience in Architecture I can advise on the best approach for your attic, also helping you to obtain Planning Permission (when necessary) and Building Control Approval.

 

As a general guide for you, the following issues must be considered and catered for in any attic conversion: 

  • Provision of natural light through either windows, roof lights, dormers or a combination of each.

  • Consideration and detailing the new insulation to reduce heat loss and expensive heating bills.

  • Floors, walls and doors need to resist the spread of a fire to ensure occupants can escape safely.

  • Provision of automatic smoke detection and alarms are essential to give early warning of fire.

  • Location of emergency escape windows, crucial in any attic conversion.

  • Existing ceiling joists are rarely adequate as a floor, new floor joists need to be designed to prevent collapse.

  • Condensation if not properly catered for can cause serious problems, leading to expensive remedial action. The roof construction type, additional ventilation will require careful consideration & detailing to protect timbers and comply with Building Regulations. 

Project Examples

Ballymartin Road, Killinchy

A loft conversion in Killinchy, County Down. What a difference these changes will make to this home. Previously a two bedroom home it will be four with a superb new Master Bedroom / En-suite and Dressing Room. Building Control Approval granted. Next stage appointing a builder and starting work on site. 

My clients wish list was as follows:

  • Attic Conversion

  • Concrete roof tiles changed to natural slate, warm roof insulation installed, new rainwater goods. 

  • Additional two bedrooms, one a Master Bedroom En-suite with a dressing room and Juliet Balcony.

  • Provide an additional WC / Shower Room on the first floor.

  • Install Velux windows for additional light.

  • Maximise attic storage space.

Irwin Crescent, Belfast 

After completing the single storey rear extension for Mr. and Mrs. B I was asked to help them convert their roof space. When converting an attic it's important to get the details correct, helping your builder understand exactly what is required to meet Planning / Building Regulations including insulation, ventilation & structure. Conversions are not as simple as many believe. This project offered limited space and headroom but with my help it turned out superb. Check out the photos. To see the ground floor extension project visit me Extensions page. 

Strathearn Park, Belfast

Full conversion of the existing attic, with a new staircase, large dormer window to the rear to provide two new bedrooms and a shower room. Take a look at the photos to see before and after..... I hope you like! 

Kings Road, Belfast 

This project involved providing a new Ensuite within the current roof space, accessed from the front bedroom. Take a look at the photos to follow the story......