Practical advice

Red Tape - Unless your loft conversion involves changing the existing shape of the roof, you are unlikely to need planning permission - though the opposite will apply if you are dealing with a listed building or a building situated in a conservation area.

Remember that if you are dealing with a listed building or a building situated in a conservation area, you will require planning permission.

See our solutions for conservation houses

WHO CAN HELP WITH ADVICE AND PLANS
For simple loft conversions builders themselves may be able to obtain building regulations approval as part of the overall package, though for larger or more complex conversions you would be advised to employ a loft conversion company. Consult your Yellow Pages under Loft Conversions or alternatively, VELUX can supply a list of installers in your area.

EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
Ensure you check emergency escape and access requirements - remember that English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish regulations all differ.
Fortunately VELUX have a special escape window for exactly these circumstances.

WIRING AND PLUMBING
Additional lighting and power points can usually be added to existing circuits, while relocating water tanks can often be achieved with the minimum of fuss.
Many central heating systems can easily be extended into the loft, but failing that small electric wall heaters are usually all that are needed, because loft conversions are invariably well insulated.