MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LOFT

Transcription

1 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LOFT BRINGING LIGHT TO LIFE

2 There are many millions of homes in Britain with unused loftspace suitable for conversion. ROOM AT THE TOP AND There is a huge demand for more living space. Using available loftspace is usually the cheapest way of getting it. Converting a loft is often much more straightforward than people realise. 2

3 HOW TO ACHIEVE IT WITH VELUX REALISING YOUR ASSETS You could be sitting under a hidden asset that has never seen the light of day. At the moment it may only be used as a general storage area or somewhere to house the water tank. Yet with a little imagination and the help of some professional expertise, your loft could be transformed into versatile living space. If your family is outgrowing your home or you simply want some extra rooms, you don t need to go to the trouble of moving. A loft conversion allows you to add space without having to move (and will probably add value to your property as well). In every sense it s an investment that can pay big dividends. HOW VELUX CAN HELP One of the keys to making a loft conversion look good without it costing you the earth is to use windows built into the slope of the roof. There is a world of difference between the old, single glazed, cast iron skylights used in previous housing eras and the sophisticated, elegant and ultra-reliable roof window pioneered by the VELUX Company over the past sixty years. The best room in the house now complete Thanks to VELUX, breathing light and life into loftspace has never been easier. In fact, the technological success of the VELUX roof window has been a major factor in the increasing popularity of loft conversions worldwide. 3

4 LIFTING THE LID: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE Loft conversions vary enormously in both cost and make-up. This partly depends on the size and shape of the roof simple roof shapes are invariably easier to convert but also much depends on how you choose to use your new living space. Building in essential services (p.13) Blinds (p.24) The loft shown here in diagrammatic form reveals just how much space can be gained by good design and how the use of VELUX roof windows makes it all possible. Providing access and escape routes (p.13) Fire proofing (p.13) Planning a bathroom (p.20) Roof structures examined (p.6) 4

5 CONTENTS page ASSESSING YOUR LOFT S FULL POTENTIAL 6 MAKING THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT 8 GETTING YOUR PLANS OFF THE GROUND 12 What would you use the extra space for? (inspiring stories p.14-23) ROOM CONCEPTS BEDROOM 14 LIVING-ROOM 16 PLAYROOM 18 BATHROOM 20 STUDY 22 BLINDS 24 ADVICE AND HELP 26 Making the most of natural light (p.8-9) What type of roof window is most suitable? (p.10-11) Lifting the lid reveals just how much space can be gained by good design and how the use of VELUX roof windows makes it all possible. 5

6 ASSESSING YOUR LOFT S FULL POTENTIAL Some roof spaces are more easily converted than others and a full assessment requires professional help. But the untrained eye can often work out the basics. TO RIDGE Go up into your loft space and take a look around. Is there enough headroom at the centre under the ridge? You ideally need 8ft (2.4m) clearance, although you may find that you can still get a useful room from as little as 7ft (2.1m). A quick check with a tape measure will suffice. Also try to assess whether your roof was built using trussed rafters or purlins, as the latter is much easier to convert into usable loftspace. See details below. WIDTH AT HEAD HEIGHT TRADITIONAL (PRE 1965) RAFTER AND PURLIN ROOF CONSTRUCTION This type of roof, pre 1965, is ideal for loft conversions as it usually has a reasonably steep pitch and relatively clear spaces between the supporting framework. MODERN (POST 1965) TRUSSED RAFTER ROOF CONSTRUCTION This type of roof, used widely in new houses in Britain since 1965, usually has a shallower pitch and more struts. As a result they are more difficult to convert. Look out for thin sections of wood (typically 75mm or 3 inches deep) and tell-tale rectangular metal plates used to join the timber together. 6

7 HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THE EXTRA SPACE? The larger the loft space you have available, the greater the range of uses you can put it to. Even in a confined loft space, the addition of a couple of VELUX roof windows can create a surprisingly light and airy room that may be ideal as an extra bedroom or a hobby room. With larger room sizes, the list of possibilities expands to include: Children s playrooms for the kids to run about in and make as much noise as they want. Living-rooms with fabulous views, freeing up valuable spaces elsewhere in the home. Master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms to ease early morning queues and add a touch of luxury. 7

8 MAKING THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT MAXIMISING DAYLIGHT Not until you actually experience a roof being opened to daylight for the first time can you fully appreciate the amazing transformation brought about by bringing light into a dark space. Natural light is the essential element in transforming a loft into bright, airy living space and roof windows are the simplest and most natural way to achieve this. ROOF WINDOWS Vs DORMERS The dormer window, which juts out from the roof, undoubtedly has a place in traditional-style house design, but for the vast majority of situations a VELUX roof window wins hands down: VELUX roof windows admit up to 40% more light than dormer windows. VELUX roof windows are much simpler and quicker to install: they are easily fitted within a day, doing away with the need for temporary weatherproofing. VELUX roof windows can usually be fitted from the inside: no expensive access or scaffolding is required. VELUX roof windows usually don t need planning permission. In contrast, dormers are complicated and time consuming to construct. Supplied and fitted, a dormer window is typically two or three times more expensive than a VELUX roof window. Surprisingly, in many sensitive locations such as barn conversions, planners actually prefer the unintrusive elegance of a roof window. Designers rate them because of their low visual impact from street level. CHOICE OF OPENING Central pivoting is the traditional way for VELUX roof windows to open but they are also available in a top hung format, ideal for very low pitched roofs or escape windows. CHOICE OF FINISH The standard VELUX roof window is finished with a clear varnish that requires no further treatment. There is also a white, maintenancefree EVERfinish option designed for rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms. VELUX roof windows, above, admit up to 40% more light than dormers, right. 8

9 PLANNING THE RIGHT TYPE AND NUMBER OF ROOF WINDOWS VELUX can provide the right style and size of window to suit the pitch of your roof. For instance, the lower the pitch of roof, the longer the window needs to be to get the best possible view. CONTROLLABLE VENTILATION Operating the control bar is simplicity itself. It is used not only for opening and closing the window but also providing ventilation while the window remains closed. CHOICE OF SECURITY Various additional security features are available such as safety locks, opening restrictors and external shutters. VELUX roof windows can be coupled together side-by-side and/ or one above the other to provide additional light and to create an attractive design effect. As a general rule, you need to provide glazed areas equivalent to 10% of the room s floor area to achieve adequate natural daylighting. The overall effect is usually improved dramatically by increasing this ratio to around 20% and also by using several smaller windows rather than one or two large ones. CHOICE OF BLINDS VELUX offer a wide range of tailor-made Roller, Siesta, Pleated and Venetian blinds, available in over 160 colours. CHOICE OF GLAZING UNITS All VELUX roof windows come complete with energy saving, low emissivity double glazing units. Other features available are laminated inner safety glass, toughened outer security glass and enhanced sound reduction qualities. For optimum performance VELUX recommend their PROTEC-STAR or 5-STAR window variants. Greatly enhanced light distribution can be gained by placing windows on both sides of the roof. 9

10 FROM BATHROOMS TO LIVING-ROOMS WITH BALCONIES CENTRE-PIVOT (GGL, GGU) Opened using a control bar at the top, allowing you to place furniture directly underneath. TOP-HUNG (GHL, GPL, GPU) Recommended on lower pitched roofs. ESCAPE/ACCESS (GPL) Wide 45 opening that meets all building regulations for emergency escape/access. VERTICAL ELEMENTS To increase natural light and extend the view, in combination with sloped roof windows. 10

11 VELUX ROOM CONCEPTS MEET YOUR EVERY NEED OVER 60 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION Throughout the construction industry, the VELUX name is a byword for quality, a reputation that has been painstakingly built up over more than half a century. VELUX hasn t gained this pre-eminence by resting on its laurels: as a company, it is constantly striving for improvement and innovation, so much so that even regular customers are often unaware of the full range of options now available. WORLD LEADERS The manufacture of pitched roof windows capable of withstanding the elements presents a real challenge. The key to the success of VELUX in this field has been their adoption of technically advanced solutions combined with an incredible attention to detail. As a result, a VELUX roof window is really an example of precision engineering. Installers know this and value it too: not only do VELUX roof windows slip into place with a minimum of fuss but they typically provide years of trouble-free service. CABRIO BALCONY Closed it s an unobtrusive double window. Open up and you have an instant balcony. MULTIPLE UNITS Dramatic effects can be created by combining VELUX roof windows, in almost any shape. FLAT ROOF SYSTEM Flood light into living areas beneath flat roof extensions. Electric or manual control. 11

12 GETTING YOUR PLANS OFF THE GROUND RED TAPE Unless your loft conversion involves changing the existing shape of your roof, you are unlikely to need planning permission*. However, it is vital to ensure that the work carried out conforms with the current building regulations and you should have plans drawn up and approved by your local council before any work starts. *Remember that if you are dealing with a listed building or a building situated in a Conservation Area, you will require planning permission. WHO CAN HELP WITH ADVICE AND PLANS? For larger or more complex loft conversions, you would be well advised to employ a loft conversion company, architect or qualified designer. But for many simple lofts, builders themselves may be able to obtain building regulations approval as part of an all-in package. In simple lofts, the design issues are often largely technical in nature and these can easily be resolved between the builder and the building inspector. While VELUX can provide a list of installers in your area, builders specialising in loft works can also be sourced in Yellow Pages look under Loft Conversions. Your best protection is always to get visits and quotes from at least three and to check references on the one you wish to select. Remember that the best value for money option may well not be the cheapest quotation you receive. 12 Possible locations for water tank. Also consider under eaves storage to make the most of the available space.

13 STAIRCASE AND EMERGENCY EXITS Working out just how the access stairs will run is often the trickiest part of the design, especially as the stairwell usually needs to be made fireproof as well. Don t despair if it s not immediately obvious to you just where the stairs should go: experienced designers are often able to work out acceptable solutions in the tightest of places. Also ensure that 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. Consider positioning a VELUX roof window above your new stairwell to allow more natural light. WIRING AND PLUMBING Additional lighting and power points will be required. Normally these can be easily added to your existing circuits without disrupting the rest of the home. If you have water tanks in the loft, you will probably need to move them, something which can also usually be done with minimum disruption. Many central heating systems can be easily extended into the loft and failing that, small electric wall heaters are usually all that are needed because loft conversions are invariably very well insulated. Straight flight staircase Winding Quarter landing Half landing 13

14 ROOM CONCEPT 1: BEDROOM To make room for Hugh and Gill Hendry needed to make room for Gill s elderly parents, who were moving into the Hendry s Perth home. When Gill said they d be moving into our bedroom I thought she was joking, confesses Hugh. But when she told me she wanted to convert the loft into a brand new bedroom for us I started warming to the idea. We fitted VELUX Siesta blinds too. They come in handy when we don t want the daylight interrupting our regular Sunday morning lie-in. VELUX GHL windows are available from 220 each, Siesta blinds from 60. The fact is, once the loft had been converted, Hugh and Gill found themselves in the master bedroom of their dreams. VELUX roof windows proved the ideal way to create a room full of light and space. It really is a special place now, says Gill. The windows Nordic Pine finish complimented the pine bed I d already picked out, and because VELUX GHL windows are top hung they open out to reveal an unspoilt view. Not only that, but when closed, special ventilation bars keep the air circulating and the room nice and fresh. On the other side of the house we made sure we incorporated PROTEC-STAR glazing. Its special insulation properties help to cut out the traffic noises from the busy road below. 14

15 Gill s parents we moved our bedroom up to the loft THE IDEAL BEDROOM CHOICE: Ease of installation GHL Windows PROTEC-STAR Glazing Siesta Blinds 15

16 ROOM CONCEPT 2: LIVING-ROOM Our spacious new How best to enjoy the stunning views. Installing Cabrio windows. 16

17 living room makes the most of the stunning view Raymond and Linda Shields have lived in Dumfries since However, it wasn t until last year that they were truly able to appreciate the dramatic beauty of their surroundings. Last summer they created a spacious new upstairs living-room in what had been their dusty old attic. Out went the cobwebs and boxes full of household junk and in came loungers, pictures, bookcases and best of all a spectacular roof terrace. It s the best room in the house, now, says Raymond. The terrace is brilliant. We can wander out and sit in cane chairs looking out across the valley. We can leave the doors open and let the evening air breeze in when we have friends round for dinner. Raymond chose a VELUX roof terrace conversion which combines sloping and walk-through vertical roof window elements. For internal decoration the family chose Pleated blinds, available from VELUX in a wide range of colours, from just 44. A VELUX roof terrace. THE IDEAL LIVING-ROOM CHOICE: Roof Terrace or Cabrio Balcony PROTEC-STAR Glazing Pleated Blinds 17

18 ROOM CONCEPT 3: PLAYROOM With the girls getting PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS SIESTA BLINDS FITTED 18

19 bigger we wanted to create a bright and safe playroom Ever had the feeling that your home s getting smaller? Bryn and Sue Thomas of Swansea got that shrinking feeling when their twins started toddling. Suddenly, they were everywhere says Sue. We needed more space a playroom, ideally. The answer, of course, was a loft conversion. The Thomases opted for VELUX GGU windows. Bright, white and coated in smooth polyurethane, they re easy to clean and thanks to VELUX opening restrictors they can only be opened to a safe distance by busy little fingers. Bryn and Sue also decided to upgrade their window panes to PROTEC-STAR. This means that they re double-glazed (as all VELUX panes are) but with a very special difference. PROTEC-STAR windows feature extra tough outer panes and laminated inner panes, for additional safety. A final touch to the room was the choice of decorative Roller blinds, with the twins helping to choose from the wide range of colours and designs available. The result? A bigger, brighter home for the Thomases. And the cost? VELUX GGU windows, complete with PROTEC-STAR glazing, are available from just 236 each. Roller blinds cost from 36. Decorative Roller or Pleated blinds Wipe-clean finish Laminated glass THE IDEAL PLAYROOM CHOICE: GGU Windows PROTEC-STAR Glazing Roller/Siesta/Pleated Blinds 19

20 ROOM CONCEPT 4: BATHROOM The beauty of the loft When Andrew and Sarah Darroch decided to refurbish their own attic bedroom, they felt they deserved an en-suite bathroom. The fact that this was likely to add value to the property was the best excuse that they could have! They chose VELUX GGU window units with white polyurethane coating, making them quick and easy to clean and totally moisture resistant. Sarah also liked the idea of the added privacy offered by the use of obscured panes. Their sumptuous new bathroom now offers Andrew and Sarah a very special place where they can unwind from the stresses of the day, in calm, peaceful and totally private surroundings. Condensation is easy to control thanks to the VELUX ventilation bar that keeps fresh air circulating in the bathroom whenever required. Andrew fitted VELUX Venetian blinds himself, very quickly and easily. Not only do they control the angle at which light enters, but they also add a stylish finish to their new bathroom. VELUX GGU windows, complete with obscure glazing, cost from 199 each. VELUX venetian blinds are available from 71 each. 20

21 conversion was that we didn t lose any of our lovely garden The control bar is easy to operate and the ventilation flap provides fresh air even with the window closed. Venetian blinds are a practical way to control both the direction and intensity of natural light. THE IDEAL BATHROOM CHOICE: GGU Windows Obscured Glazing Venetian Blinds 21

22 ROOM CONCEPT 5: STUDY As a designer, I felt my 22

23 study should be a place of peace and inspiration Simon Harris is a freelance designer, working from home in Alton, Hampshire. He wanted a space he could call his own in the home he shares with his wife and three children. I need peace and quiet for my work and that wasn't easy to find until we had the loft converted into a study, admits Simon. Because I need lots of natural light for my work, the loft was the ideal candidate for conversion. Six VELUX GGL windows really let the daylight flood in and because they're set into the roof at an angle they admit up to 40% more light than conventional dormer windows. "There are times, however, when I need to use my computer and glare can be a problem with so much sunlight about. So my windows are fitted with tailor-made VELUX blinds that give me shade whenever I want it." VELUX GGL windows cost from as little as 138 each. VELUX Roller blinds (available in a variety of colours) cost from 36 each. THE IDEAL STUDY CHOICE: GGL Windows Roller Blinds 23

24 ADDING ATMOSPHERE TO YOUR NEW HOME IS Blinds are an integral part of the VELUX range. Besides regulating light and heat and providing privacy, a VELUX blind gives you the opportunity to add an extra touch of style and decoration to your room. VELUX blinds are specifically designed for VELUX roof windows and can be easily fitted in a matter of minutes. CONTROLLING LIGHT AND HEAT With over 160 colours to choose from VELUX have blinds to suit all requirements and tastes. In the height of summer blinds play a crucial role in keeping out unwanted solar heat gain while Siesta blinds allow you to block daylight out altogether. Because they are designed specifically to fit VELUX roof windows VELUX blinds are far more effective than traditional curtains. REMOTE CONTROL SIESTA BLIND The new remote control Siesta blind is a stylish, easy to install unit that brings a touch of luxury to your loft room. With a smooth, battery operated motor concealed behind the blind s fascia, it can be raised or lowered by an infra-red control unit from anywhere in the room. Tailor-made for VELUX roof windows, VELUX blinds can be fitted quickly and easily, in a matter of minutes. Please call VELUX FREE on for further information and a copy of the VELUX Blinds Collection Brochure. ROLLER BLINDS IDEAL FOR CHILDREN S ROOMS The most cost effective option for your VELUX roof windows, available in a wide choice of colours and patterns. From

25 EASY WITH TAILOR-MADE VELUX BLINDS Soft, diffuse light effects can be achieved with decorative pleated blinds. SIESTA BLINDS IDEAL FOR BEDROOMS Exclude even the brightest sunlight, allowing the room to be virtually blacked-out during the daytime. From 60. VENETIAN BLINDS IDEAL FOR BATHROOMS Running smoothly in aluminium guides, Venetian blinds are a stylish way to control both the amount and direction of incoming light. From 71. PLEATED BLINDS IDEAL FOR LIVING ROOMS An eye-catching decoration in themselves, Pleated blinds can be set in any position and serve to soften the incoming light. From

26 THE NEXT STEP WHO TO CONTACT ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS R.I.B.A. (England & Wales) Architects head office. Ask for the number of your regional office who will give a list of fully qualified architects. Alternatively check Yellow Pages under Architects. R.I.A.S. (Scotland): R.S.U.A. (N. Ireland): R.I.A.I. (S. Ireland): R.S.A.W. (Wales): A.S.B.A Independent, nationwide group of fully qualified architects particularly keen to do small domestic works such as loft conversions. B.I.A.T Central office of architectural technologists. LOFT CONVERSION BUILDERS Look in Yellow Pages under Loft Conversions for both local and national specialists. In Ireland consult Golden Pages under Attic Conversion. FINANCE If you need to borrow to finance the work, the cheapest way to do this is usually by either adding to or taking out a mortgage, secured on your property. Almost all the high street lenders are happy to consider loans for loft conversions. Most designers and loft conversion specialists should be able to give you a cost estimate without having to go to the trouble of commissioning detailed plans. Many people use this information to assess their finances before committing themselves to any costs. LOCAL AUTHORITY The red tape the planning permissions and building regulations is administered by your Local Authority, the body that you pay your Council Tax to. Your plans need to be approved by your Local Authority and your completed loft conversion should be inspected by them. Lenders usually insist on seeing evidence that your building work has been approved by your building inspector before releasing all the money they have agreed to lend you. Other literature freely available from VELUX includes: PRODUCT INFORMATION/PRICE LIST a comprehensive product and pricing guide for VELUX Roof Window products. LOFT CONVERSION GUIDE a detailed, technical document relating to Loft Conversions. 26

27 YOUR LOFT CONVERSION CHECK LIST Please note that the concepts featured in this brochure, although based on factual accounts, are fictional. Prices referred to in this brochure are in GB and correct at VELUX Company Ltd cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of structural modifications as illustrated in this brochure. 27

28 KETTERING TOWN CENTRE TO NORTHAMPTON M1 WELLINGBOROUGH ROAD WHERE TO GET FURTHER ADVICE OR INFORMATION: CUSTOMER SERVICES UNITED KINGDOM: Internet: IRELAND: Internet: A911 LESLIE B921 KINGLASSIE A92 DUNDEE A92 EDINBURGH WOODSIDE WAY VELUX HEAD OFFICE SHOWROOM Woodside Way, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland, KY7 4ND Open Mon to Fri 8.00am to 5.30pm KETTERING REGIONAL OFFICE SHOWROOM PEGASUS COURT KETTERING PARKWAY A14 (M1/M6) JCT 8 A14 JCT 9 TO CAMBRIDGE A43 A509 TO MILTON KEYNES Wellingborough Road, Kettering Parkway (West), Kettering, Northants NN15 6XR Open Mon to Fri 8.00am to 5.30pm AIRPORT M50 SANTRY CITY MALAHIDE CLONSHAUGH INDUSTRIAL EST VELUX DUBLIN HEAD OFFICE SHOWROOM COOLOCK NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE OSCAR TRAYNOR ROAD 2006 VELUX GROUP VELUX, VELUX logo and Room in the Roof are registered trademarks. VELUX reserves the right to modify, through development improvements, the products displayed in this brochure. Due to the printing process fabric colours may marginally vary. V-GB Unit 1, Willsborough Cluster, Willsborough Industrial Estate, Clonshaugh, Dublin 17, Ireland. Open Mon to Fri 8.30am to 5.00pm