FAQs
Can I convert my loft?
Most Attics can be converted, provide you can stand up in the middle of your attic and still have some space above your head. We normally need a minimum of 2.2 meters from the top of your existing ceiling to the underside of your pitched roof at the highest point. Some lofts will require a dormer in order to make a conversion viable, others can be converted without the need for any external alteration to the shape of your roof.
Do I need planning permission?
Most loft do not require Planning permission. The Government has granted each householder a Permitted Development Right ( this will vary within certain areas, conservation areas for example).Allowances vary depending upon the type and size of your home, for example a terraced property can extend by up to 40 cubic meters, whilst a semi or detached may extend by up to 70 cubic metres. We will be able to advise whether Planning will be required or not during our site survey, however each local authority has details of the Permitted Development Right on their respective Website, see useful contacts for your local councils website.
For planning advise in general go to www.planningportal.gov.uk
How long will it take?
A typical in roof conversion can be completed within 3 to 4 weeks. Dormer loft conversions take 4 to 5 and Hip gable conversions may take up to 6 weeks. Some of our competitors can take over 3 months for the same conversion so it pays to ask the prospective builder for their timescale.
Trussed roof conversion will take a similar amount of time depending upon the size of the property and how many rooms are to be created.
How will the work affect me ?
We minimize the disruption to our customers in many ways. Firstly we are on site every weekday, from 8.30 am to 5 pm throughout the project. We do not disappear for days or weeks on end like some of our competitors.
Secondly we delay breaking into the existing property to install the stairs until the last week of the job, typically around the 3 rd week of the project.
Further we keep the workspace tidy, all waste in regularly changed skips and schedule our materials delivery to minimize the space taken up storing our materials on site.
How much will it cost?
We try to tailor a package to suit our customer budget. We offer 3 levels of conversion or any combination of the three the customer requires.
Part Build - a typical part build would entail us providing the structural floor, including all steelwork and stair access. With in roof conversions we would normally re enforce the roof structure and fit all velux windows. When a customer requires a dormer we would construct the dormer, roof, tile, fit windows and fascia and complete all external and structural work. This would leave the customer with a structurally sound, fully weatherproofed space with a structural floor and stair access. Customers would the on have to build all internal walls, complete all electrics and plumbing, insulating, plaster boarding, plastering an final fitting of doors, skirting, architrave, spindle and handrails, etc. This option can offer a 50% saving over a fully built conversion at the stage we leave. We can quote on any level of additional works our customers may wish us to undertake.
Full Build standard specification - With this package we will provide you with a completed loft conversion, which complies with and is approved to all current building regulations. We do not decorate and the specification will be basic but fictional.
Full Build upgrade specification - This is the level most of our customers seem to prefer. With this package we not only fully build your new loft conversion, but we will paint the walls, match in to existing skirting and architrave, provide ample electrical sockets and spot light, and more substantial stairs, handrails and spindles. All you have to do is paint or varnish the woodwork, fit the carpet (unless you have asked us to fit a laminate floor), hang the curtains and move in.