If you choose to build a loft, it is highly recommended that you wait until arriving on campus before building it. Even with room dimensions which are given, the placement of a closet or shelf could interfere with your design - cutting the wood after you arrive will help avoid this situation.

Durfee, Gilmore and Phelps residence halls allow lofts to be built. All other halls, apartments and cottages may not have lofts. The College assumes no risk or liability for the loft, any damages incurred from the loft, or injuries resulting from the loft. The residents of the room assume all responsibility for the loft.

To insure that lofts are safe and in compliance with safety and fire codes, the following regulations must be followed.

1. Lofts must be free standing, which means they may not be attached to the walls, floor or ceiling, or supported by College furniture. The owner is liable for all damages.
2. Lofts may not exceed the floor area of the beds they replace (maximum size: 4 ft. by 8 ft.)
   
3. Lofts may not obstruct the functioning of windows and are not to interfere with rapid egress from the room. They must afford two distinct egress routes (minimum 24" from a fire escape window and 36" from door).
4. A second-story effect between two raised beds is not allowed.
5. Open sides of loft must contain a safety railing.
6. Sockets, light fixtures, electrical outlets, wiring, etc. may not be adjusted during construction or attached to the loft.
7. Top surfaces of lofts must be at least 24" from the ceiling or bottom side of light fixtures and smoke detectors. End surfaces should be 18" away from smoke detectors.
8. Lofts may not be placed near any heat-producing source.
9. Flammable materials such as paneling, tapestries, curtains, posters, and fishnets may not be attached to or enclose the loft.
10. Protruding objects such as coat hooks, nails, etc. are hazardous and prohibited.
11. Bed parts must remain in student rooms for the year.
12. Bed frame sizes for Gilmore, Durfee/Phelps (80"x36.5"), Durfee (79.5"x35.5"), Gilmore (75.5'x35.5")

Lofts that do not conform will be considered in violation of these regulations. Any alterations after initial inspection must be discussed with the Resident Director before revisions are made. You will be allowed seven days to make the alterations. If the loft is still not acceptable, it will be removed at the student's expense.

All lofts must be removed at the end of each academic year and beds restored to the original bunk bed arrangement. Lofts not removed will be considered abandoned and will be removed at the student's expense.

Please note: This diagram is meant to show the fire and safety guidelines which must be met - it is not intended as an illustration of a typical loft design.

Below is a typical loft design, although students have created other designs. Hope College requires that lofts meet the stated safety and fire regulations, stated on the opposite side. We do suggest that you wait until you arrive to cut and build your loft, as room dimensions and floor plans vary from hall to hall. Also, since college furniture can not be removed from the room you should plan to have the bedsprings included in the design.