... an entirely new persepective on renovation
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have some of our most frequently asked questions & answers which may be of some help to you. In addition to browsing through the list, you may also click on any question to be taken directly to that answer.
- Are Fearnattics insured? If so, what cover do you have?
- Can Fearnattics furnish me with a certificate of compliance for completed work?
- Do I need planning permission?
- Who will arrange planning permission for me?
- Where do you operate from? & what areas do you cover?
- Can I see Completed work?
- Do you have a reference list?
- What is an RSJ? & are Steel beams used?
- What is a suspended floor?
- Can I get a similar staircase to my existing one?
- What size will my room be?
- How long does it take?
- Can you convert modern truss rafter attics / lofts?
- My house is a timber framed house can it be converted?
- What should I do next?
- How do I contact Fearnattics?
Are Fearnattics insured? If so, what cover do you have?
Yes, our insurance details are available on request. We are fully insured to carry out your works, including public liability, employer's liability and all risks work in progress.
Can Fearnattics furnish me with a certificate of compliance for completed work?
Yes, our independent structural engineer will warrant you a certificate of compliance guaranteeing our work complies with the stingiest & most up to date planning & Building control requirements.
Do I need planning permission?
Yes & No
No, planning permission is not required if your conversion comprises of no more then 4 roof windows to the rear only, example Velux / Keylite style roof windows.
Yes, you do require planning permission if you intend to make alterations to your exiting roof line, for example installing a dormer window, roof windows to the front and or side.
Where do you operate from? & what areas do you cover?
Our branches are located at Santry Dublin north and Bettystown east county Meath. We cover the greater Dublin area, east county Meath and county Louth.
What is an RSJ? & are Steel beams used?
Yes, Steel beams are used. An RSJ is a Steel Beam. RSJ abbreviates as rolled steel joist and is also known as an I beam, steel beam or girder. The main functions of RSJ's in the attic are to provide new structural support to the roof and new suspended floor as the original support structure is compromised to facilitate your new attic room.
Important note: The correct gage RSJ must be used to comply with building regulations, this is dictated by the span and load it is required to travel and carry for your conversion.
What is a suspended floor?
A suspended floor, also known as an independent floor are anchored to the RSJ's (see note above) . This type of floor system is totally independent of the ceiling located directly below it, therefore there is no weight transfer from your new attic floor to the existing ceiling or ceiling joists below.
Can I get a similar staircase to my existing one?
The staircase of a traditional house, average at approximately 800mm in width. Generally speaking the new stairs leading to your attic are somewhat more narrow approximately 700mm in width. On some occasions because of limitations / restrictions the new stairs may need to be reduced to as much as no less then 600mm in width. The original stairs are normally located directly below the new one. It is nearly always possible to decorate your new stairs to match that of your original stairs in terms of base rail / hand rail / posts & spindles. In the unlikely event a match can not be achieved, some customers change their old banister rails to match that of the new ones.
What size will my room be?
Generally speaking your finished attic room will have an area of approximately 35-45% of your existing floor plan @ ground level.
How long does it take?
On average, it takes approximately two weeks from start to finish to complete a straight-forward attic conversion, depending on the scope required. This time scale is increased as dormer windows & en-suites are included in the main scope of the works. Obviously the larger the job / scope the longer it takes to complete the works.
Can you convert modern truss rafter attics / lofts?
Yes, easy peasy, although more work is required compared to that of a traditional cut roof.
My house is a timber framed house can it be converted?
Yes, provided that the structural design can facilitate an attic conversion.
What should I do next?
Your next step is to contact us to arrange a free, no obligation feasibility study to determine the most efficient way of converting your attic.
How do I contact Fearnattics?
Contact us via phone at our office 041-988 6068, or try one of our mobile phones 085 702 2999 or 087 6602250. You can also reach us by filling out the contact form on this website, or email us directly at info@fearngroup.com