How to build a loft

Lofts as an after thought can be expensive and difficult to install

So I've included a simple lightweight steel (Cold Formed Section) staircase that the average DIYer should find relatively simple & cost effective to knock up with a basic tool set

If you played with a mecanno set as a child 😄 then this is for you

https://dovedaler.com/2012/08/16/workbench-news/

A few points to consider

Purlin spans are for illustration purposes only
All floor loft spans to be checked by engineer
Stairs suitable for 1.50 KPa Live loads
Planning and Building applications are applicable check with your council
etc,etc

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Renovation

Building and Construction

Flooring

Comments

BibbyKat

having a loft in my home would be wonderful. However, who does one go to to get quotes?
Who constructs these .. builders or carpenters.
I look forward to comments and advice.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2305#Comment_2305

@BibbyKat here's a quick (M.U.C) estimate for the above based on Materials (Steel,Timber,Concrete),Units (Kg, m2,EI,etc) & Costs (Approx $7/Kg) There is approx 150kg of light gauge steel X $7kg = $1100 in materials + small extras.
DIY labour =0 cost
I've seen quotes in excess of $5000 (Ouch!) for supply material and fix similar stairs
My point is you need to have a far idea of these basic ingredients before you start to Plan, Design, Engineer & Build.
Bunnings has an excellent database of material costs...DIY what you can & $AVE!

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63446#Comment_63446

Thank you BIM_Engineeer for your great advice. Who do I approach to give me an honest quote and a good job? Unfortunately, I find, that single women/widows are taken advantage of.

Builder .. carpenter ??? This is a job I won't be able to tackle. Able to help yes .. but I need a lotta help!! lol.

Live in the Coffs Harbour area.
Bunnings is my favourite shop .. spent 1-1/2 hours there today.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94236#Comment_94236

@BibbyKat If you put up some photos and a rough sketch I might be able to help you get started 🙂
with preliminary details, engineering , data and general info...then you need to get the existing house surveyed , sketch drawn up properly, Quoted (I recommend 3 quotes usually) and into planning.Would love to be able to do more unfortunately Perth is a long way from Coffs harbour

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113484#Comment_113484

Thank you for your kind advice/help offer &. Your plans have awakened me .. am a visual person and can see how it works now, Thank you.
Feel somewhat excited now. Think 2017 will be a year of a BIG project. Not is too big a rush .. will seek out advice and investigate for the rest of the year.
I did think I would need an Engineer and/or Architect .. Council involved (ugh) and yes, would definitely get 3 quotes.
The steps will have to be positioned in the garage.
Yup .. Coffs is on the other side of the country .. best weather and area in Australia !! lol

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124337#Comment_124337

@BibbyKat You are welcome
I'll give a loft over a garage some thought and put up some visual 3D engineering and data 🙂

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113484#Comment_113484

@BIM_Engineer, I have what I hope could be a win win proposition.

I'm assuming you have a contact network of engineers throughout Australia, maybe, on your site. I'm thinking that it'd be great if engineers across Australia could provide a shortlist of recommended builders/contractors.

From my experience, finding the right tradie/builder is the hard part, but I feel that structural engineers would be in the best position to know (from experience) who's trustworthy.

I think that it could be good for everybody, & even though it won't be cheaper for the renovater, it's money well spent for peace of mind.

Also, I really appreciate that you'er now responding to individual needs/situations.

Well done.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124338#Comment_124338

@Andy_Mann I am also a contractor as well and it would be considered unethical
I am of the opinion, that is, "if client' s had the right tools (Ie.Designs, models, data.Apps) then, they would be capable of making their own informed decisions.. beit DIY projects or trade/contractor selection.." if you get my gist

Andy_Mann

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131602#Comment_131602

@BIM_Engineer, no I don't get the gist, & I don't get how an informed person, passing on reputable builders/contractors would be considered unethical.

To be clear, I hold structural engineers in high regard, & never postulated them/you getting kicks back from passing on known, reliable builders/contractors to vulnerable renovators. It's all about good faith & goodwill, not abuse, or I'm too trusting/naive?

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136034#Comment_136034

@Andy_Mann Hmmm.I try to see the good in all deeds, professions, advice,etc,etc..but unfortunately sometimes those that involve referrals, commissions, kickbacks,etc
the doubt but lingers (and it shouldn't ?)

If you have a vested interest then there should be disclosure.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139066#Comment_139066

@BibbyKat To complete the Stairs add Mdf Risers and Treads and Plasterboard to the walls Cheers

CFS StairsEngineeringA.jpg

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141105#Comment_141105

Thank you .. That diagram/stair is exactly how I was picturing it! All my plans will be thought of and tossed around .. and nothing is being "started" till next year .. depending, of course, on finances/costings/quotes.. (that nastly little topic always rears its ugly little head) !!😢

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139066#Comment_139066

I am feeling a little confused here. I think someone was just being a kind human being and very nice to an older lady to what she could expect if she made a studio/loft for herself. I don't think there is an ulterior motive. I did not take it that way.

Am I confused here ???

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141106#Comment_141106

@BibbyKat there is no need for confusion and the Sketches & Data are there for you to enjoy and use :-).

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142637#Comment_142637

Thank you BIM_Engineer .. I took it as such and it is gratefully received and accepted!. As you are in Western Oz and I am on the East Coast of Oz .. you could not be involved. However, if things were different ... who knows. Anyway, at this stage all is on hold. I thank you for your kind heart and willingness to help me out.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143724#Comment_143724

@BibbyKat its my pleasure 🙂

BIM_Engineer

Continuing on the DIY Loft series

I have taken a step back to where the loft would be ideally placed within the roof space

A few points to consider when deciding on a location

Locate the loft centrally within the roof so as to create the greatest head space within
With modern Australian homes in most cases this generally configures adjacent to the Family, Meals Kitchen locations
Stairs to access the loft can be placed along internal walls
Try minimising the amount of structural members that need to be modified that lie within the loft area, ie Collars ties, Struts,etc
Loft without windows are considered storage lofts
Loft with windows may have overlooking issues you will need to check with your council planning Dept.
The roof frame and loft space presented is for illustration purposes only Timber sizes to be checked with relevant standards

Images are for Complete & Exploded views

Hope you find then useful

Loft Placemnt.jpg

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2332#Comment_2332

Thanks for sharing @BIM_Engineer.

In your experience, do most Australian homes have sufficient head space in the roof for a loft?

Jason

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63464#Comment_63464

@Jason I get asked about lofts all the time.. happy to share
Most Australian homes are configured to the above rear plan layout
In the above the loft space is basically governed by roof type (trusses excluded), pitch (25 deg+), and block width 15m+.

I should also mention these are gross dimensions, deductions will need to be made for floor depth which is function of clear span (Roof Clearance Height- floor depth= actual loft height).You will notice when having the floor beams/joists over internal walls (ie passages) below lessens the span and the depth of the floor beams/joists

BibbyKat

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/2332#Comment_2332

Hi again. My loft would take the length of the house. I have a duplex .. a brick wall in the middle dividing we two. Your original drawing with the stair against the wall .. would be ideal for me. At the top would turning right .. would be able to walk nearly the whole length of the villa. Thanks again for your wonderful imput.

BIM_Engineer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/63469#Comment_63469

@BibbyKat If you can get someone to take some photos and then upload them to this topic I'd be happy to take a quick look 🙂 and I may well have some other solutions to share that are more suited to your requirements in my Bim (Building Information Modelling) Engineering & Construction Handbook . Remember Safety Always First (SAF) when climbing into roof spaces.

BIM_Engineer

Following on in The Loft series is the floor .

The Structural Floor will need to be designed and certified by an Engineer

Points to consider when determining the type of flooring system

Roof Access by means of ladders and scaffolding
Material handling within the roof space
Safe working Platforms within the roof space
Condtion of the ceiling beneath the loft
Limiting the amount of work to be done within the roofspace to erection only where possible
etc,etc

Loft Floor.jpg

Because of the above factors The floor has been designed to sit on walls above the ceiling with sufficent clearance to the ceiling joists & beam members

The floor can also be prefabricated on the gound and re-assembled in the roof

For support beams spanning short distances I've use Timber LVL Beams

For Beams spanning larger distances I've used bolted Prefab Steel Truss Beams

These beams will not be seen from within the loft once the walls to the loft are installed

The exploded view (down to up) is in sequence to the way it will be installed

Hope you find it useful