• How can I tell if my loft space is suitable for a loft conversion?
The best way to tell if your loft area is adequate is to locate the highest point in your loft and ensure that it measures at least 2.3meters in height. Remember to be aware that Dormer type conversions can add to the height of your new conversion.
• We have evidence of bats in our loft, how will this affect our loft conversion plans?
All bats along with their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside act 1981 as well as the Conservation (natural Habitats etc…) Regulation 1994. This means that you have to by law obtain advice from the English Nature Countryside Agency about bat protection. Please note that this should be done before any work on your loft conversion is started. Do not under any circumstances try and catch the bats yourself as a number of them still carry a very rare form of bat rabies for which there is no cure available. For further information please click on the link: http://www.english-nature.org.uk/contactlink.htm
• What should I think about when adding a new bedroom en-suite or bathroom to my home?
Talk to your loft conversion team, do you have water tanks that may need removing? Have you drawn out all your plans, are you confident that you know exactly what you want? Try and plan ahead overall your plans may depend entirely upon the position of your second staircase and existing pluming arrangements.
• Where is the best place to put my second stair case?
The location of the second set of stairs is often a problem. There are many things to take into account such as fire regulations, what type of stair case to use, how much space it is likely to take up, is it more practical to have the stair case going directly into the centre of your new living space?, how much extra budget will you need? For this question we would recommend that you speak to or hire a designer to work alongside you.
• Will I need to get planning permission?
Planning permission is not always needed but it is always good protocol to check with your local planning office before you go ahead with any loft conversion. Although you may think that planning permission may not necessary, there are rules that could apply to you in respect of adjoining properties and graded/listed buildings.
• I live in a Semi-detached house are there any neighbourly considerations that I need to be aware of?
Yes there are if you live in either a semi or terraced house. Your conversion will probably need a ‘Part Wall Agreement' with your next door neighbour/s. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has an excellent document for all householders considering any form of conversion and it is available free of charge. Please see the following link for further information: www.odpm.gov.uk
• I would like a loft conversion but I am not sure what I want to use the space for?
You need to make sure that you know exactly what you want before you obtain a quote. For example if you decided on a bedroom have you allowed space for storage? Have you remembered to allow for extra plug sockets (if you have remembered to include them at all)? Did you want a shower/bath included? If you are unsure of how to construct your plans get in touch with an architect.
• I have never had a loft conversion done before do you have any idea how much it is likely to cost?
Loft conversions can be rather complex and price normally depends on area/size of property and actual conversion required. However to provide you with a very basic rough guide a 3 bedroomed house in the South East of England can start from £30,000 whilst the same job in the North of the UK could cost from £20,000.
• A friend of mine mentioned that I would need to take out insurance for this type of work, is it really needed?
Many people invest a lot of money into loft conversions and it does make sense to take out insurance to ensure that you are financially sound should something go wrong. Typical prices for insurance start from £150 per £10,000 worth of work done. Very often this type of warranty can be transferred to new owners of the house which is a pretty good selling point should you wish to sell your property
• I am in the process of a loft conversion and the scaffolding in place is not alarmed what if thieves use this platform to break into my house?
There is scaffold alarm device available you can either buy starting price is from £150 or they are available for hire from between £10-25 per week.
Areas Currently Covered By Our Loft Conversions Specialists:
London Loft Conversions - North London - North West London - West London - South London
Other Areas: Essex, Kent, Hampshire
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