Alternative to fire doors on loft conversion?

[MediocrePenguin]

Hi - currently looking into a loft conversion and wondering if there is a way round replacing internal doors with fire doors? We have lovely original Edwardian doors so am very keen to keep them if possible.

I have seen some mentions of installing smoke detectors in each room or a sprinkler system to meet regulations - has anyone done this?

We didn't have to replace. We have a mains wired smoke alarm in every room. We had to rebuild a wall so clear route of escape and a sprinkler was suggested as an alternative to that.

You're probably best off talking to your local building control/an independent firm who work in your area. There are a couple of potential options - wired in fire detection/sprinklers/fire retardant paint/new fire retardant door stops. I've found on previous projects that there can be a fair bit of variation in what different inspectors will accept. In my experience, independent firms have proved more flexible than massively overworked council inspectors.

Ah great ok good to know it's possible!

You will need building control anyway for your conversion so talk to them , I converted my cottage open plan without having to use doors but like pp mains wired smoke detectors on each landing - as approved by building control .
When talking to them they don't usually give out ideas or solutions as such you need to have them already but they will help you with what you can do with them , they are on your side and there to help
I would agree on the independent building control being more flexible than the council ones , you need to appoint them at the start because I know here if a project has been started and you are working retrospectively you are automatically given council inspectors