Converting your loft is an exciting home improvement project that can add an expanse of new space to your home. It can also help raise the value of your home, making it an excellent long-term investment. Although there are plenty of things to consider when planning a loft conversion, the importance of location for your loft staircase is often overlooked. Many people don’t realise that it is critical to consider long-term safety and fire safety regulations. This blog will explore some of the considerations regarding loft staircases and where they should be placed.
Your Loft Conversion must meet Safety Regulations
As well as fire safety, you need to consider the position of your loft staircase to allow a safe headroom clearance. This is an obvious safety concern as you will be required to make it as safe as possible to access the loft. Without the correct headroom, it can also become difficult, or even impossible to move furniture into the loft. Narrow staircases are safe for use but remember, they can often make moving furniture a chore, so you might want to consider this if you are planning on carrying a lot of furniture up into the loft.
Think about the shortest possible route that a staircase could take to get from the floor to the ceiling. This is the ideal location for your staircase. It means less construction work is required and makes the stairs shorter and safer for regular use. You must also make sure that your staircase doesn’t block any fire escape routes and ensure that there is a clear route to exit the building in the event of a fire. As the loft is likely the least accessible room in your home, you must ensure that it is as safe as possible to adhere to fire safety standards.
To ensure maximum fire safety, you may wish to invest in a fire door that separates the new staircase from the landing.
Structural Integrity
Another essential aspect of a loft conversion is to ensure that your home can bear the extra weight. For total peace of mind, it is always best to seek out a professional who will assess your home and advise you on the best practices for home improvements. If you are unsure, then never start a job without first consulting a professional. Doing this will save money and prevent a potential interior collapse, which could prove fatal and costly.
Consider Your Neighbours
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced property, you must give your neighbours forty-eight hours of notice before beginning any work, according to the party wall act of 1996.
If you would like to learn more about reconfiguring your existing loft staircase, or are looking to invest a bespoke staircase for a new loft conversion, talk to our dedicated team today. We tailor all of our designs to your space, so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your staircase has been designed with you and your home in mind.