Dropping 1st floor ceiling height to facilitate loft conversion

[papalazaru]

Has anyone have any experience of doing this? We've been advised by our architect that it will give us a lot more usable space in the loft conversion but it will cause a huge amount more disruption and we'd need to move out while it's done. We have seen a conversion in a house the same footprint as ours where they haven't done it and although they did have a double bed and ensuite bathroom it was pretty tight. Oh yes I need to add that we are a tall family!

Ello Dave

I dont have any personal experience of this type of work, but we have remodelled our house. I think you just need to decide wether the disruption is worth the end result. Will the work give you the usable space that you need/want, and a price that you can afford?

We are in a tiny 2 up 2 down terrace and have the steel beam below ceiling height, but boxed in against a wall so it is unobtrusive. We kept the ceiling height on first floor and there was very little extra mess and redecoration. Definitely no need to move out. Our roof was so small we could not have done the loft conversion if the steel was above the first floor ceiling.

"You're my wife now......." - thanks Iliketo - you're the first one who's got it!
We have decided to go for it and lower the ceilings - it'll make a much more usable room. But it is going to be a nightmare.....