Building defects database - Conversion problems

Record details

© Copyright Philip Santo	(a) This roof slope has been re-covered with concrete tiles and shows signs of slight sagging. Slight unevenness across the tiling, visible along the line of the bottom of the roof-light, roughly corresponds with the location of the purlin internally. No additional strengthening was added when the roof was re-covered and there is an earlier, substandard, loft conversion, see (b) to (g) below.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(b) This steep, poor-quality staircase giving access to the roof space conversion is a permanent fixture, not simply a removable loft ladder. The handrail on the left side of the staircase is visible but not obvious in this photo.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(c) The top of the staircase handrail is visible in this view from the loft, down through the hinged staircase-access trapdoor which closes over the staircase. The shallow depth of the opening clearly shows the floor has been laid on the original ceiling joists, rather than proper floor joists. To the left of the access hatch is a light switch with loose electrical wiring behind it, another indication of the poor-quality conversion.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(d) The conversion has 2 intercommunicating rooms. This photo shows the apex of the main attic room with poor-quality wiring running below the ridge. Ceiling heights in the whole attic area are poor.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(e) This view along the rear purlin in the main attic room shows slight bowing, but there is no indication of any failure or distress. This is the area shown externally in image (a) above.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(f) A view of one of the exposed eaves spaces with the panel on the left side pulled back for the photograph. During an earlier inspection, the panelling appeared to be permanently fixed and the eaves space was not inspected. At first glance, the purlin might appear to be supported by the panelling, but image (g) below shows this is not the case.
© Copyright Philip Santo	(g) The panelling has been fixed behind the purlin, not beneath it. This could have been seen during the earlier inspection. With the panelling pulled back for re-inspection, it is obvious that the struts are fixed to individual rafters and ultimately bear onto the ceiling joists.
© Copyright Phil Parnham	A typical example of a poorly constructed loft conversion, likely to be well below current standards. The client should be given clear warnings even if there are not yet any signs of movement. Bringing this space up to a safe, usable standard would be costly.
© Copyright Phil Parnham	Where a room in the roof has existed for many decades, comparing it to current standards can be helpful. These existing stairs are not as safe as modern ones.
© Copyright Phil Parnham	These stairs to a long-standing conversion are not very safe. There is no handrail and the opening is not guarded. Additionally, it is unlikely the loft floor will come up to standard.