Who do I talk to first?
你最好咨询一个architect and a structural engineer on your design, although some engineers will be able to offer the complete design service.
When you have a design you should consult your local authority planning department, although full planning approval is often not needed — loft conversions are often within ‘permitted development’ rights for a property.
However, you should obtain a certificate of lawful development to formally confirm this (otherwise selling can be complicated).
转换鸽舍有什么样的工作？
这取决于现有的结构，但通常会有通过空间的结构构件 - 意味着需要转换的结构改变（无论是安装新的元素还是加强下面的建筑物）。
In almost all cases the existing ceiling is not adequate to carry floor loads, and a new structure is required.
Typically loft conversions fall into two categories; “roof window” and “dormer”. A roof window conversion sees windows added to the existing roof plane, while a dormer conversion sees a new (usually flat) roof section projected from the existing roof.
屋顶窗口转换通常更便宜，因为它们涉及更少的工作，并且对建筑物的防风雨不那么破坏。
Why is a structural engineer necessary?
需要证明建设法规批准目的的结构设计。
A suitably experienced engineer can also help design stairs, which can be a critical part of the feasibility of the scheme.
至关重要的是，改变结构错误地可能会损坏屋顶，从而导致风化问题。
You could also damage the structure below the loft, because loads have been redirected to inappropriate elements of the building.
Ultimately you could end up devaluing your home.
我可以预期的结构工程师提供和/或保证？
A suitably experienced engineer may be able to provide a complete design package to meet Building Regulations and provide construction information, over and above structure, but as a minimum the engineer should provide drawings detailing the structure and calculations for Building Regulations approval.
Just calculations will leave your builder unclear on details and will likely mean they charge more than necessary for the build as a result.