Can anybody tell me what type of attic this would be called (apart from a messy one) and whether it would be suitable for converting into living space? I can stand up comfortably in the centre and there's plenty of room above my head. The floor semi-boarded out by the previous owner but I have no idea whether anything was done to strengthen the joists, or whether they even required doing so. It's a 1930's detached house.
Thinking of doing a loft conversion
- Thread starter Stu666
- Start date
Can anybody tell me what type of attic this would be called (apart from a messy one) and whether it would be suitable for converting into living space? I can stand up comfortably in the centre and there's plenty of room above my head. The floor semi-boarded out by the previous owner but I have no idea whether anything was done to strengthen the joists, or whether they even required doing so. It's a 1930's detached house.
Sponsored Links
Have you got a photo from further back? There maybe a mahoosive truss where you're standing? What is the height from the top of the existing floor joists to the underside of the ridge? You should assume that anything done by the previous occupant will need to be ripped out.
Height from top of floor joist to apex of ridge is approx. 240cm.
View from as far back as possible:
View from opposite end:
Well any loft can be converted, lets assume there is adequate headroom (and that the stairs can be made to work), 2.4 take away insulation etc above and joists bellow will leave you with 2.2 at the ridge maybe. I suspect you would retain the lower down purlins, adding a steel beam beneath each of them, then build a timber stud wall up to the underside of the lower purlins, the rafters would probably need to be strengthened to enable you to remove those purlins higher up (and their posts) which seem to intrude into the space. Then your new floor joists can span between the two steels. Are you thinking of doing a dormer too? Otherwise usable space may be limited, fine for a kids room not so great for adults.
Last edited:
Sponsored Links
And why have you got that freaky doll up there? 
No plans for a dormer, it would be used as a kids/guest bedroom so maximising the space is not essential. I am also happy for the upper purlins to remain as there is plenty of space around them. The doll comes out at Halloween
Are you DIYing? Some clown in this thread posted a rough guide to getting a loft conversion off the ground which might be helpful: https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/questions-about-a-loft-conversion.418758/#post-3250539
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links
Similar threads
