Building Regulations
Leading Loft Conversion & Extensions Specialists
Building Regulations
Understanding Building Regulations for Loft Conversions
Unlike planning permission, Building Regulations approval is always required when converting a loft into habitable space. A building control surveyor will visit the site at various stages throughout the build to ensure compliance, and will issue a completion certificate once all work has been approved following the final inspection.
If your home is semi-detached or terraced, you may also need to notify your neighbours under the Party Wall Act – this applies when certain types of work affect shared walls or structures.
Why Us
When converting a loft, the most relevant parts of the Building Regulations are:
Part L – Focuses on energy efficiency. Your loft must meet specific U-value targets to ensure proper insulation and thermal performance.
Part K – Covers protection from falling, impact, and collision. This includes ensuring a minimum headroom of 2 metres on escape routes (such as stairs). While this requirement is slightly relaxed for loft conversion staircases, safe access is still essential.
Part B – Relates to fire safety. In homes with two or more storeys, where escape windows would be more than 4.5m above ground level, a ‘protected’ staircase is usually required. This can be tricky if your staircase leads from a room rather than a hallway or if your ground floor is open-plan – but there are design solutions to overcome these issues.
Part P – Ensures that all electrical work is carried out safely and in accordance with current standards.
At Midlands Construction Services, we handle all aspects of Building Regulations on your behalf – including drawings, applications, and liaising with building control. We know the process can seem daunting, so our aim is to take the stress out of it completely, leaving you to focus on the excitement of transforming your home.
