We realise that having a loft conversion is probably the biggest decision you have had to make since you initially committed to buying your house. While making up your mind you’ll have no end of questions about what’s involved in a loft conversion, what the rules and regulations are and how various aspects are handled.
You ask the questions, and we have the answers! We’ve put together a list of some of the more commonly asked questions we are asked by our clients in the hope these will address your issues too. If there’s anything we haven’t covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask – we’re always happy to help.
Generally there needs to be a minimum of 2.3 metres between the top of your existing ceiling joists and your ridge beam, but each and every conversion is unique. Whatever the dimensions of your loft may be call us in to do a survey and we’ll probably be able to find a solution for converting your loft.
The tanks can be moved – or even removed and replaced with a new combi-boiler. Best would be to swop the existing vented water cylinder to a non-vented pressurised cylinder that could be sited elsewhere in the house and not require a storage tank. We’d be happy to explain the options to you.
Planning permission is not usually required for a loft conversion, unless the property is in a conservation area, is a listed building, or if permitted development rights have been removed for some reason. We will handle any required permissions that there may be.
All loft conversions are quite strictly controlled by building regulations, but this need not concern you. When we undertake a conversion we organise everything and provide a completion certificate for the work to prove everything was carried out in compliance with regulations.
That depends on you, and the type of conversion you are having. We are experienced specialists who work with great consideration, but inevitably there will be some noise and dust – possibly times when gas, electric and water need to be shut off. Each conversion is unique and we will discuss the ramifications of the work with you in detail before work begins, so you can prepare accordingly.
We work on conversions throughout the year. Whatever type of conversion you are having we never leave your house unprotected and vulnerable to the weather. No matter what the season we are able to work efficiently and have developed procedures so there’s no down time or delays due to the weather.
We can only tell you the answer to this question once we have visited your home, discussed your requirements, surveyed the loft and put together a detailed specification. We can assure you that our quotations are fair and reasonable, based on using good quality materials.
Drawings are not mandatory, but are certainly advisable, especially if you are planning a hip to gable, flat roof dormer or mansard conversion because these could change the exterior appearance of your house. We provide drawings for all our conversions for building control approval and any planning permission required, or to show the conversion is within permitted development guidelines.
No – we have all the skills and qualifications needed to complete even a complex conversion on our staff. We use a project manager to make sure everyone is on site when they are needed, to obviate delays.
There are countless factors that can affect the timescale for a loft conversion, not least of which are the kind of conversion it is, whether structural work is needed, and the size and scope of the build and finish. Around six weeks is the average time for a very simple Velux conversion, but a complex mansard conversion could take anywhere up to three months to complete. When we quote on a conversion we are able to give you a time estimate, once we know the amount of work involved.
We’re very proud of our online photo gallery, which shows some of the recent work our team has been doing.
A loft conversion is generally considered the most worthwhile of any home improvement, adding us much as 20% to your house’s value according to Nationwide Building Society. Beyond monetary value it adds aesthetic appeal too, and of course increases available floor space, usually with an additional bedroom and ensuite bathroom to add to the offering.
If you’re considering unlocking the potential of your loft and have more questions to ask, give us a call on 01225 432 317. We offer free surveys for loft conversions across a wide area of the South West, including the cities of Bristol and Bath, across Somerset and in and around Keynsham, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, and Trowbridge.