Loft conversion information
No two projects are remotely the same. We tailor our services and teams to meet your project goals and budget, providing the highest level of service in the most efficient manner.
Loft conversions can take anywhere from eight weeks to five months depending on the complexity of the design this may vary because no two loft conversions are the same. Simple roof light conversions can take four weeks but large flat roof dormers with a alot of steel, timber and bathrooms to be installed can take three months.
Many loft conversion companies promise unrealistic time scales and don’t allow for problems during the build such as waiting for stair cases and windows we provide a sensible project plan to be contained within the build pack.
Loft conversions vary greatly in price because we generally never find two that are the same due to the structural support and design of the existing building. Another reason for each loft conversion being a vastly different price is one may have stairs, built in cupboards, en-suite and alterations to make room for the staircase below.
A simple Velux conversion and be £17,000 but a complex large conversion can be £70,000 plus the VAT this depends entirely on the amount of materials and labour that needs to be calculated to complete the conversion by our quantity surveyor.
Many loft conversions are carried out under permitted development if they are not in a conservation area or a listed building you will need to apply for full planning. Normally building dormers on the back of your roof and roof lights in the front can be carried out under permitted development but if you are building dormers on the front or raising the height of your existing roof you will need full planning. If full planning is not required, you should still submit an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness is proof that all work was undertaken within guidelines and is vital paperwork should you ever sell your home.
Loft conversions always need LABC (Local Authority Building Control) because they are considered as a dwelling this means that they have to be built to a standard that meets UK laws.
The main areas of safety and regulations are as follows.
- Fire risk this means fire doors, plasterboard, fire board, fire alarms and means of escape during a fire.
- Steel and timber beams must be calculated to support the new roof structure and floors
- Stairs to meet regulations for going, rise, balustrades and handrails
A building inspector must inspect at the beginning of the work when the steels and timbers are installed and when stairs are installed and at completion to issue the certificate to sign of your project.
Regardless of whether your loft project needs planning permission, you will still need to meet building regulation approval on all work done. While specific regulations will depend on the exact type of loft conversion you undertake, the broad elements covering all new lofts include:
· Fire safety: Fire-resistant doors and mains-powered smoke alarms are required.
· Sound insulation: Noise between rooms must always be sufficiently insulated.
· Floors and beams: New floor joists will be required to support the weight of your new loft room.
· Stairs: New stairs are not only required to gain access to the new rooms but are a requirement (beyond retractable ladders) to provide an escape route in the event of a fire.
· Walls: New walls may be required to support the roof where previous supports were removed.
A building control surveyor will inspect your conversion at various stages and will be responsible for issuing a completion certificate upon final inspection.