Can I use my loft as a bedroom?

Author: Rosetta Lemke DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

A significant factor in determining whether a loft room can be classified as a bedroom is the structural integrity of the conversion. The floor of the loft must be able to support the additional weight of furniture and occupants. This often requires reinforcing the existing floor joists or installing new ones.

Can a loft be turned into a bedroom?

Converting your loft space into a bedroom can be a fun project that boosts property value, and increases the functionality of your home. Nevertheless, before starting your bedroom loft conversion it's crucial to consider a few factors that will affect the complexity of your project.

Can a loft be a legal bedroom?

Meeting building code is required if you plan to rent your space out or sell your home in the future. By turning a loft into a bedroom, you are adding to the living space of your home. However, if this particular room doesn't meet code, you cannot list it as another bedroom.

Do you need permission to convert loft into bedroom?

A loft conversion for your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

What is the disadvantage of a loft bedroom?

The removal of the walls in a loft will add more space that may be used for your personal things and belongings. The con that comes with the wide floor space is the lack of privacy. Your bedroom will technically be in the same room as your kitchen and dining room.

CAN I HAVE A LOFT CONVERSION ?

Can I board my loft and use it as a bedroom?

You'll need a complete loft conversion to ensure it's safe and comfortable to use as a habitable room, such as a bedroom or home office, for example. This will require ensuring that it complies with Building Regulations.

Are loft beds ok for adults?

A quality loft bed provides many benefits for people of all ages. The space-saving capabilities and design flexibility enhance and elevate any room, no matter its size. That is why even adults have started embracing their comfort and convenience.

Can I call my loft conversion a bedroom?

For a loft room to be classified as a bedroom, it must have a safe means of egress. This typically means that the loft must have at least one window that can be used as an emergency exit or an additional staircase leading to the ground floor. The window must be of a certain size and accessible from the room.

How do I make my attic a legal bedroom?

1. BUILDING CODES
  1. A minimum of 70 sq. ft. ...
  2. At least 7 ft. in each direction. ...
  3. At least 50% of the ceiling should be a minimum of 7.5 ft high. This ensures people have ample space to stand upright without hitting their heads on the roof.
  4. A sturdy, full-size staircase. ...
  5. Windows.

Can I use my loft as a hobby room?

A hobby room in your loft can add value to your home and make it more desirable if you ever decide to sell up in the future. Lofty Solution can reclaim a vast amount of usable space in your loft, adding another floor to your home.

How much does it cost to convert a loft into a bedroom?

On average, a basic loft conversion for 20m2 (215.3 square feet) can start from around £20,000 to £30,000, while more extensive and luxurious conversions can cost upwards of £50,000 or more. A well-executed loft conversion can significantly enhance a property's value, typically adding between 20% and 25%.

Do I need a permit to build a room in my attic?

Reach out to your local municipality to see if you need a permit for your attic remodel. A permit is usually only needed if: You are adding electrical wiring or ventilation. You plan to change the structure of your home in the process, such as knocking down an existing wall or adding a dormer.

How much does it cost to enclose a loft?

Loft conversion costs range from $9,000 to $34,500, with an average of $20,000 depending on size and function. Converting a loft can add value and more usable space to your home.

Is a loft a legal bedroom?

Minimum ceiling height: There are more size dimensions to worry about here: At least half of the bedroom ceiling has to be at least 7 feet tall. So you can put a bed in a loft area with less than a 7-foot ceiling if the other section has a higher clearance.

Can you count a loft as a bedroom?

If the space has a loft, you can still place a bed in the loft space without concerns of not meeting the minimum height requirement, as long as the rest of the bedroom has 7-foot tall ceilings. This is a major factor in the legal definition of a bedroom.

Do loft bedrooms get hot?

Combined with the fact that your loft rests under your roof, which will get a lot of contact from the sun on hot summer days, radiating through the tiles on the roof surface and transferring into the loft and creating a lot of hot air.

Can I use my loft as a bedroom without planning permission?

If you are only carrying out internal works, planning permission is most likely not required. However, local interpretation can vary so it is important to have this verified. If you are planning on altering the roof space with an extension or dormer, planning permission would be required prior to beginning any works.

What is the 7 and 7 rule for attics?

This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.

Is it safe to use an attic as a bedroom?

Unvented attics save lots of energy, but unless they feature a method of rapid exit, they should not be used as bedrooms, especially for kids and elders. Photo : "1012 - step 3: spray foam insulation" Before you consider putting a kid's room or an elder apartment in an attic space, consider the extreme fire risk.

Can I turn my loft into a bedroom?

A loft conversion will need building regulation approval before it can be built. This is different to planning permission and is designed to ensure that any changes to a building will be completed safely. Alternatively, you can have the work completed by a trader registered with a competent person scheme.

Do I need permission to make a room in loft?

A roof light or room in loft conversion is where you don't alter or expand the existing space at all, but simply add in windows and reinforce the floor to transform an attic into a comfortable living space. Roof light loft conversions rarely need planning permission.

Can you board a loft and use as a bedroom?

Can I board my loft and use it as a bedroom? If you're converting your loft into an extra bedroom, or a room that is considered a living space, the work will have to meet the government's Building Regulations. The room must be accessible via a permanent staircase and must have the correct fire regulations.

How much weight can my loft bed hold?

If you are comparing us to other websites, please note that most loft and bunk beds on the market today are designed for very young children with a typical weight capacity of 150 - 200 lbs., which includes the weight of the person and the mattress, they were just not designed for teen, college student or adult use.

What are the disadvantages of loft beds?

Cons:
  • Safety concerns. While bunk beds have to meet tough testing standards to be sold, the safety concern is still present. ...
  • Not suitable for young children. Bunk beds are suggested for children 6 and older, especially the top bunk.
  • Making the bed is a little harder. ...
  • The fight for top bunk.

Can I use a regular mattress on a loft bed?

The answer is a straightforward 'yes'. You may think that you need to have a specific type of mattress to use on your bunk bed, but the reality of the matter is that you can choose any mattress you want, as long as it's suitable for the bed.

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