FabSwingers.com forum: Loft Conversions...

By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

Has anyone done one, or more specifically has anyone done one to a flat? If so, what pitfalls do I expect to encounter?

Had someone round just to measure up today, and I am expecting to replace the current roof, though I was a bit perplexed that I was the one who brought it up....

So will obviously have to now just wait on the architect to come up with ideas (If possible) and then take it from there, so if anyone has any advise, I would love to hear from you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ms Foxy if you want to PM I can provide some advice on this matter !

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

Velux windows are noisy when it rains.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

If it's a flat then I would assume it's a leasehold property rather than freehold?

In which case you'd need to get consent from the freeholder before making any structural changes.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

"If it's a flat then I would assume it's a leasehold property rather than freehold?

In which case you'd need to get consent from the freeholder before making any structural changes.

Including the aforementioned windows

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Builders work in units of 1,000..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

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By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

This is Scotland remember, so no Freehold or anything up here! (That I know of)

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By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

"Builders work in units of 1,000..

Don't fooking confuse me! x

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

Check your title deeds... you might not be allowed to.

If your neighbours in the flat all take a share in roof repairs (as is common in scottish title deeds) they may well be able to say no.

Are there any other similar flats to yours that have had this done, and a phone call to the local planning department may well let you know if its possible.

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

Also, the scottish government publication "management and maintenance of common property" Clauses 49 and 54 mention structural changes and the fact that they can be challenged by any neighbour if it is considered to put the structure and fabric of the building under additional strain, which an extension would, then they have full rights to bar any development.

If you need further info, message me and I will pass on the link and details.

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By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

"Check your title deeds... you might not be allowed to.

If your neighbours in the flat all take a share in roof repairs (as is common in scottish title deeds) they may well be able to say no.

Are there any other similar flats to yours that have had this done, and a phone call to the local planning department may well let you know if its possible."

I know I will be liable to take on any future costs to roof repairs as I suspect I will need a new flat roof being erected...and the two flats below me have extended out...the only way I can extend is up, so hopefully fingers crossed, will just wait and see x

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Many old style terraced buildings that have since been converted to flats may actually 'share' what is effectively the loft space - as I found out years ago in London when I went up there to check a leak coming through the ceiling and realised I could walk above both neighbouring flats !

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

What kind of roof do you currently have? Its its currently a gable roof, its unlikely you will be allowed to exchange it to a flat roof completely.

Are there any other top floor flats in your street/neighbourhood that have been developed like that?

Roof development in flats is a tricky subject, and one of the toughest to get planning permission for as it affects the whole building.

Also, taking on the entire roof cost yourself may well be a costly legal issue as it means changing title deeds for the whole block (how many flats are there?)

Are your neighbours in support of you extending, as all it takes it one of them to say no, and it is highly unlikely to go ahead....

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

Could always just move!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Has anyone done one, or more specifically has anyone done one to a flat? If so, what pitfalls do I expect to encounter?

Had someone round just to measure up today, and I am expecting to replace the current roof, though I was a bit perplexed that I was the one who brought it up....

So will obviously have to now just wait on the architect to come up with ideas (If possible) and then take it from there, so if anyone has any advise, I would love to hear from you

"
First of all its not your loft to convert,it communal until you get full agreement legally from ALL other owners of the flats.

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By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

My block is not currently attached to any others, it is a stand alone... the rights to the loft is only for myself and next door, not the whole block. And is currently illegal (I found out today) as it is open plan, and against fire regulations, so will need to be sorted anyway.

We only have six flats, and currently 3 are owned and privately rented out. I know people can object and obstruct planning permission etc but I'm hoping it wont be an issue. As two others have extended out the back.

So I will just have to wait patiently and see what the possible outcome may be

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

The rights to the loft space, and the roof are entirely different.

As the top flat, access to the loft is yours, but the roof is communal property. You say 3 are private, are the other 3 council or housing association? Mixed tenure housing is even harder to secure rights to develop the roof.

Also, as there are 2 upper flats, it becomes even harder to get permission for extension as you weaken the integrity of the building by changing half the roof.

If you really need the space, you may well find it easier to look into selling up and moving to a larger flat (I know Aberdeen property prices make that a tough call) but the legal fees, hassle and building costs for an extension like that may well be prohibitive.

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

you also have to watch if you can do a loft conversion certain areas will allow full roof loft conversion others say you need to allow tile space either side of dormer

also it depends on your roof apex height as well to low and it can be no

rough idea 2 main beams at front and back 12x4" 2 sqaure pillars and roofing for it

sound proofing with insulation and fireproof boards for ceiling of dormer adds for fire escape

i wouldnt advise a flat roof much better to use an apex

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By *oxy_minx OP Woman
over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

"Has anyone done one, or more specifically has anyone done one to a flat? If so, what pitfalls do I expect to encounter?

Had someone round just to measure up today, and I am expecting to replace the current roof, though I was a bit perplexed that I was the one who brought it up....

So will obviously have to now just wait on the architect to come up with ideas (If possible) and then take it from there, so if anyone has any advise, I would love to hear from you

First of all its not your loft to convert,it communal until you get full agreement legally from ALL other owners of the flats."

Why do people think they know the facts whilst posting their views?.... YOU do not know facts! The roof space is owned by myself and next door....sheesh, no wonder I don't fooking post many threads, there are so many people ready to jump down your throat without knowing anything!

But thanks to the conversation I have just had, I now know more than I did! So thank you, to the person who know's more than me and YOU!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mally had one done a few years back he posted regularly about its progress and it sounded like a nightmare. I guess you need a good project manager to plan how things are done.

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By *effrey45Man
over a year ago

Lytham

You could be struggling if it's a ground floor flat

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

I have a loft come up some time for a chat

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

I have a loft come up some time for a chat

plush seating and drinks available?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

I have a loft come up some time for a chat

plush seating and drinks available?

It's a loft not Costa

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

I have a loft come up some time for a chat

plush seating and drinks available?

It's a loft not Costa

spoilsport what ya got course blankets and chains

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I night try and go down, for a change. Hope your loft gets to go well - sounds exciting and, as you say, your only option. I wish more property had cellars etc, like older places. We now just get boxes, devoid of much effort and good use of land.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I need glasses I thought it said loft conversations... thought it was some new fad

I have a loft come up some time for a chat

plush seating and drinks available?

It's a loft not Costa

spoilsport what ya got course blankets and chains

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

I'm considering converting my loft to Islam. I don't think I require planning permission or consent from the neighbours and I'm not sure it will affect the structural stability, unless we have to orientate the house towards Mecca or Gala Bingo.

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