Background
Conversion of an attic space in dwellings to form additional accommodation is often carried out as a stand alone project or in conjunction with other works to the existing building.
Certifiers need to be satisfied that the risk assessment of the altered building considers the appropriate risk group, and ensure that any requirements for conversions have been applied accordingly.
Conversions
Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations indicates that Regulation 12 will apply to ‘Changes in the occupation or use of a building to create a dwelling or dwellings or part thereof’. The Building Standards Technical Handbook (Domestic) goes on to explain that this includes ‘use of an attic space as a room within a dwelling’.
Attic conversions should therefore be considered as conversions with regard to the Building Regulations and the provisions of Regulation 12 should be applied accordingly.
Risk Assessment and Risk Group
The converted attic space will become a habitable area with a floor, ceiling, and new access to meet the relevant regulations. The new accommodation level is therefore considered to be an additional storey.
This may have a significant impact in the risk group of the building. Certifiers should make reference to the Risk Group Matrix in SER Guidance Note 12 and see that a comprehensive risk assessment has been undertaken to consider all relevant factors, including the increase in the number of storeys of the building, and should ensure that the risk group is determined accordingly.