We want to create a course for those thinking of taking on a loft conversion project.

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Martin, Structural Engineer and owner of Smartbuild Engineering Ltd, has personally designed and built 3 loft conversions of various types and provided structural design and input on probably more than a hundred loft conversions of all types and size.

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We think loft conversions are deceptively tricky.  There are many interacting masonry, timber and steel elements and the structure, build sequencing and detailing can be surprisingly complex.

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Unfortunately we've seen more disasters than we would like - usually the result of an industrious but inexperienced builder,  carpenter or intrepid DIY-er looking to up their game and getting out of their depth.  Or from companies with rapid expansion resulting in inexperienced workers left unchecked on site.  We don't think anyone sets out to do a bad job, but you don't know what you don't know, as they say.

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None of the individual elements of a loft conversion are rocket science, knowing the whole process before you start so you can plan ahead is essential to avoid expensive and hard to fix mistakes.   Here's a few of the issues we've seen:

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• Toilet and/or shower drainage paths obstructed by steel beams, usually only realised by the time it's very hard to overcome without resorting to the dreaded saniflo

• Well meaning builders increasing dormer headroom, only to fall foul of Permitted Development rules and being in the nightmare situation of having to demolish and rebuild

• Poor installation of structural elements, often due to not fully understanding their purpose, or not knowing the best tools and techniques available

• Beams bearing into chimneys / too close to flues, contravening Building Regulations

• Bouncy / squeaky floors due to poor installation 

• Poorly detailed insulation / vapour barrier / roof ventilation leading to damp / condensation / rot

• Issues getting final Building Control sign-off due to not informing Building Control of the work, not booking inspections during the build, non-compliance with escape routes, not complying with external fire spread regulations, inadequate stair head clearance, drainage issues and more.
   

Such issues can easily be avoided if you are armed with the right knowledge.  We want to create a course that gives you that knowledge. 

 

We think this course would be useful for those constructing loft conversions and their staff, as well as for homeowners who want to identify if things are being done right.  

 

We also think Architects and Engineers would benefit from having an overview of the whole process and the practical realities of construction, especially if they are new to the world of loft conversions.

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If any of this sounds of interest, we'd love to hear your ideas via the form below.  We won't email you, share or sell your data with anyone.
 

If you want to be notified when the course goes live, help us shape the course or be a beta tester, you can opt in below.

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