"Rick Dipper" wrote in message
...
On 22 Mar 2004 06:14:22 -0800, (P Lavers) wrote:
Anyone know what differences there are in the building regulations
applicable to loft conversions between those for an existing 2 story
house (with which I am familiar) as apposed to an existing 3 story
house? In particular fire regulations with respect to the stairwell
and doors leading off it. I have a house with a basement kitchen and
am considering a loft conversion which would make the house 4 floors
in all.

You will need 30 minuite fire doors, and 30 minuite fire proof walls on
the stair
well. The exact rule is more precise than this, so you don't need it to
bathrooms
for example. The exact rule applies to ALL doors in your house - wardrobe
doors for
example. You also need door closers - which are not compatable with kids
fingers.
Also you need smoke alarms etc ......

I replaced all my own doors and frames - no problems there. By
plasterboard walls,
I ripped off one surface (fitted computer cables) and applied 30 min
fireboard
before re-plastering. The door closers came off as soon as the building
regs man
had left, and thanks to that my kids still have fingers .......

Rick


My experience was similar. The house has a semi-basement level and 2 further
floors. Needed planning to approve a dormer but other than that it was
building control requiring fire doors, door closers and a further fire door
to the kitchen which had been "open plan". The builder seemed to have a
stock of door closers which were re-cycled for each job to cover this
eventuality!

C