Advice WTD:Cheapest way to make loft useable

[freestyle]

After having a very helpful reply on this forum some time ago. I would just like to qualify a few questions.

My loft is huge. Previous owners have simply put down chip board to make storage that much easier.

Looking at the ceiling there are cracks all over the place, I am guessing as a result of walking on the ceiling.


I would like to make the loft more useable (ideally a full conversion but I don't have 20K to spare) therefore I am looking for advice on what I should do as a min.


1) I would like to access via a staircase. My idea is to remove the airing cupboard and stick the stairs here

2) Only other requirement is to be able to walk around and use the space better


IDEAS, IDEAS please

 

[masona]

How much can you afford or want to spend?

 

[freestyle]

hmm.. Good question.

It's one of those 'value for use' questions.

Ultimately if I decide to this this I would like to minimize the amount of trades I need to get in.

For example I know that most full loft conversions require steel supports, which in tern requires a crain, which in tern means removing half the roof, which in tern require skafolding etc......

Ideally I would like to avoid some of the above. If I can then I guess I would consider say 5K+..... I really have no idea if what I am looking to do is possible.

Like I say avoiding a crain, and skaffolding would be great..

 

[masona]

For example I know that most full loft conversions require steel supports,

Not always, bigger joists on the side of ex-joists.

Are you going to have a full loft conversion later on? if so it would be cheaper to do it properly first time as you may have to undo the work you want to do and wasting more money.

 

[freestyle]

Probably unlikely because I live in a top floor masonette.

So are you saying that if I place beams across and then place chipboard on top that would be good enough ?

I would consider fitting a window (You don't need scaffolding for this right ?)

But definately a staircase, seeing as they cost under £1000

 

[masona]

So are you saying that if I place beams across and then place chipboard on top that would be good enough ?

If you're going to use it for storage then that's okay but not if it's another room and will need building regulation to make safe and fire reason.

I would consider fitting a window (You don't need scaffolding for this right ?)

If it's a Velux window then they can be fitted from the inside but have a buddy below incase of any accident.

But definately a staircase, seeing as they cost under £1000

I have a spiral staircase which come as a kit which is easy to do and take less room.

 

[freestyle]

Thanks for your reply.

Thats very helpful.

Just curious on what you have. By the sounds of it you have a full conversion with a spiral staircase.. ?

Are you willing to show any pics / or say what you paid ?

 

[masona]

Just curious on what you have. By the sounds of it you have a full conversion with a spiral staircase.. ?

Are you willing to show any pics / or say what you paid ?

Yes I did mine approximately 12 years ago and all the materials costs just under £5000 including drawing plans. I use a spiral staircase in the corner of the lounge and have 3 velux window ( one of them is a velux fire escape on the front of the property). and I use 9"x3" joists. The size is approximately 30'x15'.

Watch this space for pics!