Most attic conversions are exempt from planning permission because the ceilings are not high enough to qualify as “Habitable Accommodation”. However, if you wish to erect a dormer window, or to put your Velux windows to the front, then you will need planning permission.

Most will tell you No! We say most definitely. Without plans, sketches or specifications how else are you to know what you are getting. Our inhouse team of engineers and architects draw up full specifications for each project consisting of bill of quantites, CAD drawings, Video walkthroughs and 3D visualizations. We provide you with youtube movies of your attic (similar to Grand Designs) so you can see how the process goes together.Without plans you have nothing!

Examples of our work can be seen at drawings and videos

An economy conversion can be finished in six or seven working days. A proper conversion will take about ten to twelve working days. An en-suite or dormer window will extend that by four or five days. A bungalow conversion would take up to four weeks.

Generally an attic will work out less than 1/2 the price of a ground floor extension. Typically 3Bed Semi Detached are completed from €12k. Send us an email with a description of your house and we will give you an approximate price or we can book in a site visit. Our qualified architect will call, discuss your requirements, survey and provide you with a detailed quotation and specification.

With very few exceptions, attic conversions are carried out as “non habitable storage rooms” as the room heights are not in keeping with the rest of the house. In reality, however, they are used as bedrooms, offices, studies, games or computer rooms and emergency guest bedrooms.

Not all roofs are suitable but safe to say that 90% are. The first requirement is a reasonable height in the centre of your attic so you have comfortable standing space. Measure the distance between the top of the ceiling joist (the beam you’re standing on) and the underside of the roof. Deduct five inches and ask yourself if you would be happy with a ceiling that high (or low). Once we survey your home we will create a 3D walkthough of your space where you can view, dimension and walkthrough the attic in three dimension. It will give you an excellent concept of the finished article. See examples at videos

A “hipped” roof generally does not pose a problem, but there are limititaionsin placing a staircase. Generally you need to sacrifice part of an existing bedroom in order to fit the full size stairs. There are a variety of feature options in our gallery section www.gemsin.ie/gallery.html Alternatively you could choose a more modern european design which incorporates full standing height to 70% of the attic with feature bespoke cantiliver canopy. We have uploaded a youtube video example of one of our designs at contemporary

Trussed roofs were introduced in the late sixties. They are simply a cheaper way of building roofs. Builders buy a set of prefabricated triangular frames, with a “W” or warren insert, these are lifted onto the new house and a roof is built in a few hours, instead of a few days as had been the case. You can recognise a trussed roof by the “W” framework and by the square metal plates at each join of the timbers. There’s no problem converting a trussed roof provided you have two concrete block walls opposite each other in the attic, ie. an apex or gable roof. Hipped, trussed roofs can be converted, but not as easily.

Adding a dormer can be a great feature for your attic though it can be an expensive feature and it also require planning permission. With our in house planners/architects we would be happy to go through the planning process for you.

For most standard size attics, we recommend two SO6 1140 x 1180mm windows, which provide plenty of light in the main room, and one FO6 660 x 1180mm over the stairwell and landing. Building regulations will suggest the use of top pivot windows so that in the event of a fire unrestricrted access can be made onto the roof.
We recommend installing Top Hung GHL VELUX windows, mainly for the reason that when they open they do not impinge into the attic space, but rather pivot outwards from the top.
There are a few clear advantages to this. Firstly, you get a better, more comfortable view with them; secondly, they have a dual function, so they can switch to centre pivot action for cleaning purposes; and finally, while strolling around your attic, you do not have to worry about banging your head on the side of the open window.

A suspended floor is one that is not resting on the ceiling. It has it’s own separate set of
flooring joists between the ceiling joists. Most ceiling joists are very light and not suitable
for supporting a floor. Sometimes a suspended floor is called an “independent” floor.

Modern flooring grade chipboard is ideally suited where you intend fitting carpet or laminated wood floor. Otherwise, t & g flooring looks very well sanded and varnished.

Thermal insulation is still the most important and most cost-effective way of saving energy, and for virtually all homes will have the single largest impact on reducing fuel costs year after year. The amount of heat that can escape through a badly insulated roof can be up to 30%. Therefore, in converting your attic you have a great opportunity of improving the energy efficiency of your existing bedrooms, and making the attic room the warmest room in the house. The insulation in the ceiling joists should always be cross-latted in a grid system to keep all that heat in. See more info on our insulation blog on blog
Gemsin are registered contractors under the Home Energy Saving Scheme and Insulation Grants are available Now.

In order to comply with building regulations part K the stairs will be almost identicle to your existing. We will match materials, spindols, newels and handrail so the end result will not look retro-fit.

On floor area, it will be the biggest room in your house. Imagine this, the overall length will be the full length of your house from gable wall to gable wall. Now imagine, half the width of your house. Cant imagine? Once we survey we will produce full drawings and 3D visualizations

Radiators don’t always work well in attics. The older the system, or, the more radiators you have, the less chance you have of successfully extending the system to the attic. If you have a fairly new, pressurised system then a radiator should work.
If you have an older system and you want to be absolutely sure, then install electric heating. A convector heater or oil filled radiator would be the least expensive to put in. Storage heaters are quite expensive to install.

The space behind the support stud walls (which form the shape of the room and sit on the RSJ) is called the eaves area. We include flooring the eaves area with T&G chipboard to provide adequate storage space. We also include access hatches and switch lights in these side areas. Depending on the size and shape of your attic space, it may be possible to design a walk-in wardrobe.

The re-location and/or replacing of water tanks is all part of the job. As is the installation
of lighting and plug sockets. T.V. and phone connections can also be fitted when required.

Generally we would recommend no ensuite as the costs far outweigh the advantages. The cost of installing ensuites are in the region of €1-2 as consideration needs to be allowed for new piping, waste, hot water feeds and pumps to take water from your existing mains. That said... if you have the space and budget, an en-suite can be an attractive addition.