When you expand your living space using loft extensions in Essex, you are not only increasing the living space in your property but at the same time, increasing the value of the same property. Talk about killing two birds with a stone. How much increase will this have on the value of your property? This depends solely on the location, age and style of your building. The increase is usually between the ranges of 10% – 20%. Research has also shown that the amount spent by home owners on loft conversion is by far, what is being spent on other types of home improvement.

When you consider the uncertainty filled housing market, you will definitely agree that loft conversion will be a good way of increase your property's value.

When you are carrying out a loft extensions Essex through the services of any competent firm, certain things need to be considered as regards to the project. One of these issues is the loft hatches. What about the loft hatches?

A Few Facts About Loft Hatches

In the United Kingdom, the loft hatches on most properties are normally located just above the second floor landing of the property and before one initiates a loft extension, it becomes necessary that such loft hatches be widened or enlarged for easy passage. This is especially if the loft is being converted into a storage space in which case, a ladder will be needed and there should be enough space to fit in the ladder.

If the existing hatches are not large enough, then new loft hatches can be make from cutting up at least 19mm thick sheet of MDF. This is then insulated but in compliance with the local planning and building regulations. The style of the loft ladder may also play a part in determining how difficult or easy it might be to insulate the loft hatches.

If the existing hatches are not large enough, then new loft hatches can be make from cutting up at least 19mm thick sheet of MDF. This is then insulated but in compliance with the local planning and building regulations. The style of the loft ladder may also play a part in determining how difficult or easy it might be to insulate the loft hatches.

In cases of properties that are making use of a concertina style of loft ladder, then it becomes quite a bit more difficult insulating the hatch when the engineers are carrying out loft extensions. What is done in this situation is creating an insulated box which is designed to sit above the ladder whenever it is not being made use of.

One of the most recommended options when it comes to using an insulated loft hatch is by making use of the numerous available pre-manufactured loft hatches from various companies. Most of these hatches are designed to be very stylish, easy and very practical to fit and most of all, their designs comply with the fire safety rules and the building regulations of every given local planning and building authority.

It should also be known that the price of the hatch depends mostly on the model of hatch you decide to use for your property. Prices could start from 50.00, all dependent on the model. There are several versions available with you making your purchase of this product based on your loft extensions Essex specifications and the access hole dimension.

One of the most recommended options when it comes to using an insulated loft hatch is by making use of the numerous available pre-manufactured loft hatches from various companies. Most of these hatches are designed to be very stylish, easy and very practical to fit and most of all, their designs comply with the fire safety rules and the building regulations of every given local planning and building authority.

What does this mean? It only means that when you buy any fabricated loft hatch unit when you are engaged in loft extensions, you are invariably satisfying or meeting up with your local authority's building regulations while at the same time getting something very trendy and befitting for your property. Most of all, these pre-manufactured loft hatches are very cost effective while providing your building with that professional and perfect finish.

That is not just all. The pre-manufactured loft hatch units can be supplied with fitted frames which are originally designed to completely fit into the openings made especially for them. This is to ensure easy and quick fittings. There is no need for you to engage in any type of finishing on the hatch once it is installed.

In a situation where valuables are to be kept in the converted loft, fitting in a loft hatch that comes with a lock is the safest bait as far as security is concerned.

As far as loft extensions Essex is concerned, you can get the best as long as you work with a professional and competent firm. You can take a bold step today towards gaining more space from your property while at the same time, increasing its market value by a reasonable percentage.

Looking to find the best deal on loft conversions, then visit http://www.completelofts.com to find the best advice on loft conversion in the UK for your benefit.

For loft conversions, fire safety awareness is essential, not only for your own piece of mind but because you will need to comply with local building regulations and fire safety regulations are an important part of these rules.

The loft conversion must take into consideration any "new fire door" rules. Fire doors may literally mean the difference between life and death in an emergency and they must be installed whether or not there is an escape window in the roof. That means that most, (if not all of the interior doors on the property) may have to be replaced and you will need to factor that extra expense into your loft conversion budget. Any doors facing the designated escape route from the loft must be fire resistant for at least 20 minutes. An FD20 grade door is adequate but you may wish to consider upgrading to an FD30 door for extra security measures.

Be sure that intumescent strips are fitted to the door or into the door frame because an FD20 door without them will never pass building code regulations. The way these strips work in case of a fire, they swell up and effectively seal the gap between the door and the door frame to prevent smoke from filling an adjoining room.

A fire resistant door that is left open isn't much use, so it is also recommended that self-closers are fitted to all fire doors. Your local building control officer will be able to advise you fully so that the fire doors installed by your builder meet all regulations.

In case of a fire in the loft, the main escape route is the staircase so it must be near an appropriate exit point like a front or back door. When staircases, whether old or new, are not completely closed with fire doors, the new rooms in the loft must have an appropriate escape route through the roof, such as a large window.

Escape windows in the loft should be easy to get to and close to eaves level, which is vital for aiding in rescue from the outside. In loft conversions where the floor area is greater than 50m square or the loft contains more than two rooms used for living space, other fire safety requirements may be applicable.

Properly installed smoke detectors are essential for fire safety in a loft and are naturally a part of building regulations. It should be remembered that rooms above ground level are more at risk in a fire than those closer to the ground. For this reason, the flooring used should provide adequate resistance to fire coming from below. You'll be able to relax and enjoy your new loft room or rooms knowing that all fire safety requirements have been met.

Want to find out more about loft conversions, then visit the CompleteLofts.com site for details on the loft conversion process.

A Word About Planning Permissions:

If you're planning a loft conversion on your property in Hertfordshire, you will need to check with your Local Planning Authority to see if planning permissions are required. Please note that building regulations are always evolving to meet improvements in fire, sound and insulation requirements.
Generally, a loft conversion is considered to be permitted development not requiring an application for planning permission. Basically, planning permission is asking if you can do certain work on your home. It may be granted or refused, depending on certain conditions. Exceptions are as follows:

1) You will need special permission for a loft conversion if your home is on designated land. Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

Tip 2. If your roof space is greater than 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or if it exceeds 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached houses, you will need planning permission. Also keep in mind that a previous owner may have made additions to the roof space and these additions must be included in the aforementioned volume allowance.

Tip 3. If the loft extension goes beyond the level of the existing roof slope of the principal elevation that faces a highway, special permission is required.

Tip 4. No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the original roof.

5) No part of the extension can be higher than the highest part of the original roof.

Tip 6. Any Side-facing windows must be obscure-glazed and more than 1.7 meters above the floor if they can be opened. Otherwise, they must be non-opening windows.

7) Apart from hip to gable, extensions should be set back from the eaves as far as practicable, but at least 20cm measured along the roof plane.

Tip 8. Protected species must be considered before work on a loft extension can begin. If bats are using the attic, a survey may be needed and a license may be required.

It is the homeowner's responsibility to be sure that planning permission is obtained, if required and that building regulations have been followed. However, most loft conversion companies will make all the required arrangements and fill out and file the necessary paper work for you but, ultimately, the homeowner carries the end responsibility.

Therefore, it's in your best interest to be aware of all of the relevant rules and regulations that apply to your particular loft conversion, regardless of whether you need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulation approval, or not. Failure to abide by rules could result in serious consequences, namely having to restore your home to its previous state before renovations, a costly endeavor to be sure.

Looking to find the best deal on loft conversions Hertfordshire, then visit www.completelofts.com to find the best advice on loft conversions for you.