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Bedrooms with just velux

4 replies

Vigo88 · 08/05/2023 14:12

Hi, first time posting here!

We’re in the process of buying a semi-detached 5 bed house which was extended over 20 years ago (two story rear extension which included adding two bedrooms upstairs) As part of the extension, the back two rooms became middle rooms and they therefore lost the windows so instead the owner has installed a velux in each of the rooms. I understand this wouldn’t satisfy fire regs nowadays but I understand at the time the owner went through the appropriate channels with the council in getting permission. I therefore wondered what implications this would have on us buying it? If they have sign off, can these be deemed bedrooms? Could we satisfy fire regs now if we put in fire doors instead? We could put a window in one of the rooms but because of the neighbours I think it would have to be closed or above 1.7m which goes against the fire reg requirements. We’re planning on having a survey carried out and the solicitor is doing all of the checks but just trying to pre-empt any issues that may arise because of the layout. Would be great to get people thoughts. Thanks!

OP posts:
Fretfulmum · 09/05/2023 05:06

A bedroom can have just a velux and be legally classified as a bedroom, it’s not an issue

Choconutty · 09/05/2023 05:28

Every single one of my house's bedroom windows growing up was velux - and I currently have a bedroom like that in my house - it was not even flagged during purchase

TBH, if I was exiting the house in the case of a fire, that's likely the one I'd pick to go out of as well, since it's out onto a roof down to a ground floor height edge, rather than a sheer 2 storey drop! (I'm willing to be told that's a bad idea due to falling through the roof perhaps..)

C4tastrophe · 09/05/2023 06:51

You can have a window at 1.7m for light, it just won’t resolve the issue with today’s fire regs, if it even is an issue.

wonkylegs · 09/05/2023 08:12

Fire escape regulations on a 1st floor bedroom are usually a door leading to hall / stairway with access to outside (so most houses normal routes out) OR a window
Gets more complicated if 2nd floor or above
I've attached the relevant bits from the building regs

Bedrooms with just velux
Bedrooms with just velux
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