What to consider before converting your attic

Builder Kieran McCarthy on things to look out for when adding more space upstairs

Now that we are all spending more time at home, an attic conversion might be worth considering if a bit more space is desirable.

Hi Kieran, my partner and I are considering an attic conversion and wondering what is involved. Do you need planning permission for the skylights? Does an engineer need to check if your rafters can handle conversion? Where would the stairs go? Is an ensuite a major addition? Jack & Orla Mulcahy, Midleton.

A. Great questions. Yes, as we are all largely confined to our homes these days, every scrap of usable space is coming into focus. When all other avenues have been considered what comes into play is, of course, the often considerable space in your roof void. Could it be that the answer to all your space issues lies above? Before we answer this question there are a number of key elements that need to be considered.