How to tell if a Loft Room has potential to become loft conversion

[LinnyQuick]

Will be viewing a 2 bed bungalow - 1930s. Its listed as having a sizable Loft Room 25 ft × 19ft. There's said to be ladders in the hallway leading to the Loft Room. No other information about the Loft Room but the photo clearly shows a velux window in the roof space.

When I view what do I need to ascertain to decide whether this Loft Room could become a loft conversion containing a bedroom and en suite. Would obviously get tradespeople in if wanted to go ahead with an offer but firstly want to understand whether this is a possibility or a non starter. Anyone know?

Detached? Then yes assuming not listed will be possible subject to PP, even if it means raising the roof height.

Attached, then you won't be able to raise the roof so measure the height. You will lose a foot or so of height by putting in RSJs. Would also need to check foundations. But should be ok given only one storey exists currently.

You'll need a proper staircase and adhere to building regs such as ceiling height, fire doors, insulation.

titchy Yes, detached

Measure the loft floor space where there is a decent ceiling height. Although you’ve been given measurements of the overall space, most of this will be suitable for storage only as you won’t be able to stand up in it. The liveable space might be tiny. We viewed a house with attic conversion where my 6’2” husband could stand up in only a square metre in the centre of the room.

Once you have a floor plan of the liveable space, work out where a bed, bedside tables would go. A double bed can take up a lot of the space leaving only reduced height space at each side.

Yes, it’s possible to raise the roof but might be expensive compared with what you’re gaining plus is very disruptive.

Honeysuckle16 Now you've mentioned it that seems obvious, but I hadn't given it a thought - thanks

Yes, it depends on ridge height, poss whether you would add a dormer. In order to be habitable in regs it has to have a proper staircase with correct pitch and banister height plus built with correct levels of insulation and fire doors. I think to be classed as a bedroom also has to have safe alternative egress to the stairs in the event of a fire.

if there are similar houses nearby you could search local planning dept to see if any have had loft done and see the dimensions on their plans