Tips for Installing a Loft Hatch
Storage isn't exactly something easy to come by these days, especially since real estate prices have shot through the roof. This is why a lot of homeowners are resorting to creative means of increasing their homes' storage spaces. This includes looking for nooks and crannies that can work as extra storage areas, all over the house. One common fix is to make use of the space between the roof and the ceiling, known as the €loft€.
Of course, what the loft turns out to be will depend on the space it can offer. It can be an extra room, if the space is enough. It can even be a playroom. For most people, however, the most hassle free goal of retaking the space is to create a functional storage area that keeps clutter away from the liveable areas of the house.
The only problem is that loft conversion isn't exactly cheap. Usually the access hatch, the joints, the lighting, and the ladder all cost a lot of money. So if you add the labour cost, this will cause a serious dent on your wallet. Now of course you can do it yourself, if you know how. It's actually not that difficult converting the loft on your own, but there are some guidelines you need to remember.
First of all, it's imperative that you first check the building regulations and laws in your area. It might be a DIY project for you, but some things (such as structural integrity, for example) need to be checked by experts in order for you to proceed. It's better to start off on the right foot, before you get problems halfway into the project.
Second, make sure there's enough space for the loft ladder first before doing anything else. If the loft ladder doesn't fit, it's pointless, because there's simply no getting in or out without it. Checking the space is important, especially since you can't buy the ladder without identifying what size could fit in the space.
Third, you must lay down a new floor, even if you're not turning the space into a bedroom or playroom. This is because you need to make sure that the loft can handle the clutter you're about to store in it. Additional or new joists are required as well, in order to reinforce the loft.
Fourth, select your access hatch. There are a lot of different types you can choose from, but the most reliable and sturdy would be metal access hatches. What's great about metal access hatches is that they are really reliable, and sturdiness is something you need when it comes to hatches. The only downside is that metal access hatches tend to be more expensive and heavier than the other materials. Anyway, the material of choice should be up to you.
Fifth, add a lighting source. Some people add a loft window or a skylight, but that's not really a necessity. A working light bulb is good enough, as long as it provides enough light to the entire loft.
Finally, don't forget to secure your loft, too. Since you'll be stashing a lot of knick-knacks in your loft, it's but prudent to have an automatic fire suppression and detection system installed. This is one way to keep your home safe. Also, make sure that all electric installations are done correctly, and no threats are looming.
These are just some of the things you need to remember when installing loft access hatches.
Of course, what the loft turns out to be will depend on the space it can offer. It can be an extra room, if the space is enough. It can even be a playroom. For most people, however, the most hassle free goal of retaking the space is to create a functional storage area that keeps clutter away from the liveable areas of the house.
The only problem is that loft conversion isn't exactly cheap. Usually the access hatch, the joints, the lighting, and the ladder all cost a lot of money. So if you add the labour cost, this will cause a serious dent on your wallet. Now of course you can do it yourself, if you know how. It's actually not that difficult converting the loft on your own, but there are some guidelines you need to remember.
First of all, it's imperative that you first check the building regulations and laws in your area. It might be a DIY project for you, but some things (such as structural integrity, for example) need to be checked by experts in order for you to proceed. It's better to start off on the right foot, before you get problems halfway into the project.
Second, make sure there's enough space for the loft ladder first before doing anything else. If the loft ladder doesn't fit, it's pointless, because there's simply no getting in or out without it. Checking the space is important, especially since you can't buy the ladder without identifying what size could fit in the space.
Third, you must lay down a new floor, even if you're not turning the space into a bedroom or playroom. This is because you need to make sure that the loft can handle the clutter you're about to store in it. Additional or new joists are required as well, in order to reinforce the loft.
Fourth, select your access hatch. There are a lot of different types you can choose from, but the most reliable and sturdy would be metal access hatches. What's great about metal access hatches is that they are really reliable, and sturdiness is something you need when it comes to hatches. The only downside is that metal access hatches tend to be more expensive and heavier than the other materials. Anyway, the material of choice should be up to you.
Fifth, add a lighting source. Some people add a loft window or a skylight, but that's not really a necessity. A working light bulb is good enough, as long as it provides enough light to the entire loft.
Finally, don't forget to secure your loft, too. Since you'll be stashing a lot of knick-knacks in your loft, it's but prudent to have an automatic fire suppression and detection system installed. This is one way to keep your home safe. Also, make sure that all electric installations are done correctly, and no threats are looming.
These are just some of the things you need to remember when installing loft access hatches.
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