FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH WILL A LOFT CONVERSION COST ME?
It’s impossible for us to give a fixed quote without further information. Please contact us with as much information as possible, such as your address, property type and what kind of thing you’re after (loft conversion type, how many bedrooms, bathroom requirements, etc) and we can provide you with a general quote. We thoroughly recommend booking a home visit with our surveyor as they can talk through your ideas with you, advise whether or not what you’re after is possible and answer any questions you might have. After your visit, we aim to contact you within a week with a fixed written quote.
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?
We provide several other building services aside from loft conversions including, but not limited to; roofing, extensions, doors, laminate flooring, skirting, wardrobes, shelving, decking, fencing, panelling, renovations & other general carpentry work. This is not an exhausted list and if you have a job which needs doing but hasn’t been included above please contact us and we’d be happy to let you know whether it’s something we can help with. For further information on our other services, please see our other services page.
HOW MUCH OF THE PROCESS CAN YOU DO ON OUR BEHALF?
We can take care of the entire process for you. We will provide you with a full architect service including detailed plans and we'll take care of the whole building control process, and planning permission if this is required. The loft will be created from the team start to finish and we can even provide a decorating service at the end if required.
WHAT IS YOUR AVAILABILITY?
For availability queries please contact us directly as this will completely depend on our current schedule. If you have a job which needs completing urgently then we suggest calling as at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to fit you in.
WILL WE NEED TO MOVE OUT WHILST THE LOFT IS BEING CONVERTED?
We understand that for many people moving out whilst work is being completed on your property is not practical, especially if the work is ongoing for several weeks. Whilst the work is being completed you there will be no requirement for you to move out and you'll be able to carry on with your day-to-day lifestyle as normal. Scaffolding is erected to allow us to enter the loft externally until the stairs are fitted. Our team are used to working within residential homes and they will ensure that everything is left tidy and they will only disturb you when absolutely necessary.
HOW LONG DOES A LOFT CONVERSION TAKE?
This depends on the requirements of the job and size, but generally a standard Velux conversion would take between 5-7 weeks, standard dormer would take between 8-10 weeks, wrap around and hip to gable (with dormer) conversion's take around 10-12 weeks.
DOES A LOFT CONVERSION ADD VALUE TO MY HOME WHEN SELLING?
Yes! In addition to the practical benefit for you, a loft conversion will also add considerable value to your home when it comes to selling. They typical add around 20% value but this can go up to 30% depending on the size and design. This means that the money you spend on the conversion is nearly always gained back when it comes to selling.
WILL MY LOFT BE SUITABLE FOR A CONVERSION?
If you have a minimum head height of 2.2m (the measurement taken from the middle of the loft) then you should be suitable for a loft conversion. Of course our surveyor will confirm this with you during their visit. If you have less than this then they surveyor may be able to recommend other ways of maximising your space.
CAN THE LOFT CONVERSION BE COMPLETED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR?
Considering we live in England luckily yes! We can complete a loft conversion all year round without flooding your home. During any bad weather we will ensure your property is properly protected at all times.
WHAT IS A PARTY WALL AGREEMENT AND WILL I NEED ONE?
A party wall agreement is required if you have a semi-detached or a terraced property and you are working within or near your neighbour’s boundary. If you are having a loft conversion on one of these types of properties then you must get a party wall agreement signed by your neighbour before the work can be started. For more information on party wall agreements click here.
WILL I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
In most occasions planning permission is not required as most loft conversions are viewed as Permitted Development. However, if you live in a flat, a house in a designated area or a listed building then you will probably need planning permission and this is something we can arrange on your behalf. There are further situations where planning permission would be required such as for very large loft conversions (exceeding 40m3 for a terrace, 50m3 for detached and semi-detached), but this can be discussed with us.
However all types of loft conversions must meet the Building Regulations standards which includes visits during the build by a Building Regulation officer who will sign of the work at the end. Again, this is something we will fully take care of on your behalf so you don’t have to.