Can I Alter my Existing Mezzanine Floor?

The short answer is yes, but you will need to take some specialist advice from someone like Cre8tive Interiors. The above photo shows a problem mezzanine that is none compliant with Building Regulations. Hence the question Can I alter my Existing Mezzanine Floor? Just give us a call or email. The main question that we will ask is what is the purpose of extending, for example offices or storage. We will need to assess the existing structure to ensure that anything we do to it in terms of changing it will comply with current Building Regulations. My existing Structure was built a few years ago, will it still comply? The regulations have not really changed over the years as the main aim of the Building Regulations for Mezzanine Floors is to ensure that the floor is adequately fire protected for people that may be under them or on top of the floor. If the existing structure has no fire protection and the upstairs is used as offices, the fact that it was built a few years ago does not mean that people will be safe in a fire, so our advice is for us to examine the overall layout of any alteration, including the existing structure, to ensure that people can exit the building safely. We will look at exit routes as well as look at fire protection for the overall situation with the extension. We regularly see structures which have been built by general builders and there are no design calculations to determine what weight can be put on the floor and no evidence that the floor has been submitted for Building Regulation Approval. I am sure in some cases that the structure will be strong enough but often there is no approval to say it is ok. The problem with this is that the owner of the building probably has never been aware that the structure is not safe, and of course to fire protect it will cost money. If nothing is done, there is a high chance that there will never be a problem, but there is a very slim chance that if there is a fire in the building and the owner has not taken adequate steps to look after the safety of the tenant or staff then the owner of the building is in big trouble. My existing Structure was built by a Builder and is not a designed Structure. What can I do? Always pretty difficult, and the easiest answer is if you are not sure, strip it out and Cre8tive Interiors can put in a properly designed and calculated structural mezzanine floor that will meet Building Regulation approval. Often it will be cheaper. The above photo shows a problematic structure. The main cross beam as well as not being fire rated just sits on the pillar that supports the outside frame of the building. The building is a portal frame construction and so will have been designed to be a free standing structure without having a massive great steel sitting on one of the pillars taking lots of weight. We can get around this problem though. If you are unsure about your existing mezzanine floor structure please give us a call. What else needs to be done to a Mezzanine Floor once built? Cre8tive Interiors can carry out all of the work required so that the client can just use the space straight away. This will include the following: Initial design and layouts for the new space along with costs Building Regulation Approval Planning for the work to be done, understanding what needs to be carried out prior to the install date. Supply and Installation of the mezzanine floor, including relevant fire protection Electrical work Partitioning and suspended ceiling work All lighting, emergency lighting, air conditioning and ventilation Construction of any toilet areas, canteen or warehouse areas All types of flooring and decoration. Office furniture if the extension is for offices. Can I alter my existing mezzanine floor?

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