Building a loft
What do I need to do before building a loft?
If the loft area exceeds 5 square metres, the client has the responsibility to submit to BCA the construction drawings along with a Professional Engineer (PE) calculation to ensure that it will not compromise the existing building structure and pose a safety hazard. The drawings need to be submitted to the MCST for renovation approval.
What are the advantages of the loft?
Mezzanines double the floor area covered by its footprint, allowing full usage of the space underneath for other activities.
Loft creates a private, unique space in your home.
It can be really cozy, creating stunning design features.
Is a loft possible in my property?
If the walls are not load-bearing or strong enough, columns would have to be built alongside the wall. The span of the loft should not exceed 4 metres; if the room is wider the loft would require additional supporting columns, or a thicker beam.
For a good headroom, a good figure is roughly 2 metres of usable height above and below, taking into account the thickness of the loft platform.
Stair or ladder?
A ladder will have the smallest footprint and is good for smaller lofts or bunk bed arrangements. A staircase is chunky, comes with a cost premium and occupies a larger footprint and is more suitable for larger areas.