Has anyone ever converted a loft into a Granny Flat? We’re considering it for the Mother in Law (who i get on with very well thankfully), assuming its possible, but havent a clue where to start. We live in a terraced row of houses, with a good sized loft and in order to preserve some privacy for us would insist on there being seperate access/egress for the conversion. It would be entirely self contained, one bedroom, kitchen/lounge/bedsit style, toilet/shower room. So where to start would be the first thing, is it the council planners, an architect, a builder, elsewhere? Any experiences, good or bad to share?

Honestly, I don’t think that would work – you’d be expecting the oldest member of the household to walk up and down two flights of stairs to get in/out of their living accommodation?
Granny flats need to be ground floor really, unless there’s a lift.

you’ll need a granny 1st

Bruneep, she is a Granny already if that counts…..IDB, yes i made that exact point to both the MiL and wife….however it is what appears to be the least worst option for her and us (theres a long story i cant be arsed going into). She still only 60 and in good health, but obviously yes mobility will eventually become an issue. The missus and i are both nurses, we’re well aware of the potential issues from that POV.

Space in the garden for a shipping container? Either 20′ or 40′ would be able to be coverted into a suitable self contained bedsit. Less disruption, cheaper and you can take it with you if you ever move.

How would you get separate access that doesn’t go through your house? External stairs? On a terrace? Also it sounds as though your house is huge if you can fit an entire self contained apartment in your loft.

For a fairly significant project speak first to either a specialist loft builder or an architect. No need to speak to the council until you get to either planning stage (if required) or building control stage (will be required).

Bear in mind if you end up with access via your existing stairs you’ll have to change all your internal doors on the stairs to fire doors, as it’ll likely be a means of escape and fire compartment.