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Plenty of space in the roof

There is plenty of space in the roof for another 3 bedrooms!

We have lost count of the number of times we have heard this.

Are these rooms legal
Are these rooms legal

Usually from an excited buyer who thought that they were buying a property with two or three small bedrooms only to discover that upstairs in the attic is a huge space either already converted into bedrooms or ripe for making a master suite, games room or building the train set of a lifetime.

The attic or Soto as it’s called here is very often built large, larger than the approved planning permission allowed at the time.

It is built because as it has sloping sides and limited head height it cannot be classed as living accommodation therefore it does not attract rates. Instead it can be used for storing corm and drying potatoes.

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sotto or loft space

Free space and no rates is a thing which most people can’t ignore.
Very often, in fact the majority of times it is used as accommodation or office/workshop space.

Great news so far.

Before you start installing your ultra-Jacuzzi and disco lights remember that if the ceiling height is not correct for accommodation then the space cannot be re sold as accommodation.

If the space has enough head height it should be registered as accommodation and rates paid on it.
Something else to bear in mind is that the “soto” (roof space or loft) may not have been built with a strong enough floor. A floor that is not strong enough to carry the additional weight of dividing walls, bathrooms and furniture for instance.

If you are in doubt contact the team at Castelo Construction

info@casteloconstruction.com

Windows are another bone of contention. A builder or home owner who created this type of illegal living space may also have installed windows which are often very small and in a position which is illegal. Making adding more windows or widening the existing windows could also be illegal.