Loft Conversion FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Our loft conversion FAQ covers some of the most common question we are asked. To read the answer, click on the question itself to see the answer expand.
99% of lofts can be converted, the difference is how far you have to go to make it a truly usable living space.
If you want to convert within your existing loft space, you’ll need a minimum of head height of 2.3m from the top of the floor joist to the bottom of apex (see picture). If you don’t have the 2.3m height, then don’t worry there are still plenty of options such as roof lifts.
Have you been told you can’t convert your loft before, then give us a call, as we’ve resolved this on many occasions.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this as loft conversions are varied. It also depends on how you want to have your new loft space fitted out, and how much of this will be done by your builder. The largest factors of converting a roof are:
1) Is the current loft head height you have sufficient and does it need a roof lift or an alternative solution;
2) Do you want or need a dormer, mansard or hip to gable extension to make additional usable floor space
3) How the space is to fitted out, such as how many windows, bathroom or en-suites, or do you want a balcony
4) How much of the work you wish to complete yourself if any. We offer a DIY Loft Conversion option, ideal if you want to keep costs down.
If you want to get a free, no obligation quotation for your loft conversion, then contact us today for more information
Similar to the question of cost for a loft conversion, time frames are difficult to give a clear guideline on. There are so many factors involved with converting a loft, including those list in the previous question. To get a feel for all of the stages involved with a loft conversion, have a red through our Loft Conversion Step by Step Guide.
To give you some idea of timescale:
- DIY Loft Conversion within the eaves, we are done within a week
- Rear Dormer on a bungalow including full fitting of bedroom and ensuite – 4-6 weeks
- For a roof lift and staircase – 1 Week for the core alterations, and 1 additional week for final fit.
For more information about your loft and the timescales, give us a call in the showroom today on 01724 862266
In short, a large percentage of lofts do not require planning permission, as they fall under what is known as “permitted development”. This umbrella allows certain types of development to be completed as long as you do not live in a conservation area or your building is listed.
For more detailed information about planning permission, please see Planning Permission page, which contains more details about planning permission and building regulations for a loft conversion in the UK
Absolutely it will. So many people are getting loft conversions done now instead of moving home. The main reason it adds up to 25% on the value of your home, and it far cheaper than moving or an alternative extension.
To read more about why people are converting their lofts, click here.
Yes, we offer a full 10 year guarantee on the work. Contact us today to one of our surveys to learn more about guarantee and the service we offer.
The next steps are simple. Contact us today via the form below, or directly to any of the numbers provided. We’ll then arrange for our nearest surveyor to come out to your home and complete a design consultation.
This is definitely not a sales process for us, we’ll simply listen to your needs, gather some details, take some measurements and give you an idea of what can be done. If you’re interested, then you’ll receive a summary quote within a few days, with information on next steps if you want to proceed.
Call the main showroom on 0800 068 9969.
Yes you can have a fixed staircase, but this would mean the room is then deemed as fully habitable, and therefore must comply with all building regulations, such a roof height, insulation values, fire doors and much much more. This in turn increases cost. If you use a set of strong pull-down steps, which is what we supply and they take about 10 seconds to pull down and make the room accessible.
If you would like a fixed staircase, then you will need an official loft conversion which complies to building regulations. Contact us today to discuss the best option for you.
When we fit loft ladders and board out the floor area, this is what most people need to give them easy access to a storage area. A luxury loft storage area converts the loft space into something more like a typical room, boarded, insulated, with heating, lighting and electrical sockets. We often fit roof windows as well, to make it feel light and more open.
There are a huge range of reasons why people might choose a luxury loft storage over basic boarding of the floor. The most common is they want to use the loft space more often for something more than just storage, such as a games room for the children. A lot of people also want a space to work as a home office or to indulge in their favourite hobby.
A large percentage of lofts can be converted, the difference is how far you have to go to make it a truly usable living space. If you want to convert within your existing loft space, you’ll need a minimum of head height of 2.3m from the top of the floor joist to the bottom of apex (see picture). If you don’t have the 2.3m height, then don’t worry there are other options, the primary being a roof lift.
Have you been told you can’t convert your loft before, then give us a call, as we’ve resolved this on many occasions.
Firstly a roof lift isn’t as scary or as expensive as you might think. Yes of course there is an increase of cost over conventional loft conversions, as the work and cost involved in completing a full roof lift is more, but not to the point of it being significantly more.
With this in mind it’s difficult to give a clear answer to how much it costs. It also depends on how you want to have your new loft space fitted out, and how much of this will be done by your builder. The largest factors of converting a roof are:
1) As well as the main roof lift conversion you can also add on additional dormers, extending the space yet further.
3) How the space is to fitted out, such as how many windows, bathroom or en-suites, or do you want a juliet balcony
4) How much of the work you wish to complete yourself if any. We offer a DIY Loft Conversion option, ideal if you want to keep costs down.
If you want to get a free, no obligation quotation for your loft conversion, then contact us today for more information
Similar to the question of cost for a loft conversion, time frames are difficult to give a clear guideline on. There are so many factors involved with converting a loft, including those listed in the previous question. To get a feel for all of the stages involved with a roof lift loft conversion, have a read through our Roof Lift Step by Step Guide.
To give you some idea of timescale:
- A small detached house, with a DIY Roof Lift (also called a shell only conversion) take between 3-4 weeks on average
- A large roof lift, with full fitting of 2 bedrooms, and a shared bathroom take between 5-7 weeks on average
For more information about your loft and the timescales, give us a call in the showroom today on 08000 689 969
In short, yes. As you are raising the roof ridge height (the point of the roof) then this by default requires planning permission. Don’t let this be a concern as we can handle the whole process for you. We can also advise on the probability of getting it through planning in the first instance, as we’ve had years of dealing with local authorities.
If you choose to do something more than just a roof lift, e.g. a rear dormer, then usually doesn’t add any additional delay or problems with getting planning permission. Again, this is something we can work with you and advise for your specific roofing renovation project.
For more detailed information about planning permission, please see Planning Permission page, which contains more details about planning permission and building regulations for a roof lift conversion in the UK
Absolutely it will. So many people are getting loft conversions and roof lifts done now instead moving home. The main reason it adds up to 25% on the value of your home, and it far cheaper than moving or an alternative extension.
Yes, we offer a full 10 year guarantee on the work. Contact us today to one of our surveys to learn more about guarantee and the service we offer.
The next steps are simple. Contact us today via the form below, or directly to any of the numbers provided. We’ll then arrange for our nearest surveyor to come out to your home and complete a design consultation.
This is definitely not a sales process for us, we’ll simply listen to your needs, gather some details, take some measurements and give you an idea of what can be done. If your interested, then you’ll receive a summary quote within a few days, with information on next steps if you want to proceed.
Call the main showroom on 08000 689 969.
Day 1 – Prepare Existing Roof
In advance of day one, scaffolding will have been placed around your building. So on day one we can prepare your roof in readiness, for the new roof going on the very next day.We start by stripping back your existing roof removing all:
– Guttering
– Softies and Facies
– Ridge & Roof Tiles
– Slats and Roofing Felt
– Loft Insulation
Next we’ll deal with any existing chimney stacks, electrics and plumbing, that need modifying in advance of the new roof installation.
When it’s all prepared we then place a temporary cover over the roof to keep it water tight until the following day, as sometimes we’ll get a little rain…
Day two is the transformation day, when we take your old roof, and replace it with a brand new, spacious roof.The day starts with part of the team removing all the remaining roof trusses in preparation for your new roof to arrive. Then in a production line manner, the rest of the team will then commence to install the new roof trusses, one by one. This is done using a large crane and a lot of man power.Typically, at lunchtime, you’ll see a new roof on, and ready to to be used. The team will then commence to felt and slat the roof, making it water tight and ready for tiling. Doesn’t sound much, but the transformation is incredible to watch.
Day three, now moved into completing the re-roof and starting the process of turning it into a bare roof space, into a living space.Part of the team will be focused on tiling your new roof, making it with weather hardy for decades to come. The rest of the team will be busy installing your new loft Velux windows, preparing the interior of the new loft space and starting any new cables that need building.
Over the course of the next few days, your new roof will be completed, any plumbing and electrics finished. By the end you’ll have a whole new roof, and large space within to turn into a living space of your dreams.