Q. Why should I convert my loft?

A. Estate agents say a converted loft can add up to 20% to the value of your home, making it a very worthwhile investment. If you have a growing family or need more space, a loft or attic conversion can be more cost-effective than an extension or moving house.

Q. How do I know if my loft can be converted?

A. If you have a minimum of 2.2m (approx 7ft) from the existing ceiling joist to the underside of the ridge (apex) then you may be able to convert this space into a bedroom, en suite bathroom or anything else you require.

Q. Do I need planning permission for my loft conversion?

A. Under regulations which came into effect on 1 October 2008, most loft conversions now don’t require planning permission. They are considered to be permitted development, subject to the following:

• A volume allowance of 40 cubic metres additional roof space for terraced housing
• A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres additional roof space for detached and semi-detached housing
• No extension beyond the plane of the existing roof slope of the main elevation that fronts the highway
• No extension, including the dormer, to be made higher than the highest part of the roof
• All materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house
• No balconies, verandas or raised platforms
• Dormers not to be on the front elevation facing the road or invading your neighbour’s privacy
• Any side-facing windows should be obscure-glazed with any opening to be 1.7m (approx 5.5ft) above the floor
• Roof extensions, apart from hip to gable ones, should be set back to at least 20cm from the edge of the room
• Your house should not have already been extended to the permitted development limit of 15% of it’s original size

For an extension, most single storey rear extensions don’t require planning permission, but extensions to the side or front elevations usually do. We employ architects and structural engineers to answer any of your questions. Further details can be found on the government’s Planning Portal website.

Q. How long will it take to get planning permission if I need it?

A. The length of time varies as the decision is made by your local council, but you are likely to receive a decision within eight weeks.

Q. Do any building regulations apply to loft conversions?

A. Building Regulations are different to planning permission, they set the standard for the design, construction and health and safety aspects for a building project.

We will ensure all plans are submitted on your behalf and you will be issued with a certificate on completion of work. Further details can be found on the government’s Planning Portal website.

Q. Do any other permits or regulations apply?

A. We will arrange for other permits such as for skips and scaffolding when required.

Q. How long will my loft conversion/extension take to complete?

A. Typically, a loft conversion will take 4 to 5 weeks to finish and extensions, depending on their size, will take 5 to 12 weeks. If we anticipate any delays, for whatever reason, we will communicate it in good time.

Q. Do I need 30 minute fire doors fitting to my property if I have a conversion?

A. If you intend to go on to the second floor then yes, you will need fire doors fitting. If your property is a bungalow and you are going onto the first floor you do not need fire doors, but you will need smoke alarms in both instances.

Q. Will there be much disruption in and around my house?

A. We have completed hundreds of loft conversions and extensions and we always respect the home in which we are working. We aim to cause the absolute minimum amount of disruption when we commence work. For the first few weeks scaffolding will be erected and from the fourth week we will have the opening cut out and the staircase fitted, this should mean disruption is negligible.

Q. Will we need to move out when work is being done?

A. No. Most of the work will be done from the outside until we fit the staircase and by this time the structure will be fully secured.

Q. Are your workmen fully trained?

A. All out workmen are very experienced having worked with us for a minimum of 5 years and they are professional in the work they do. They are all CSCS (Construction Skills certificate Scheme) trained. Our electricians are all NIC/ Part P registered and our plumbers are Corgi registered. Our staff also wear uniforms.

Q. Are your quotes and surveys free?

A. Yes, all our quotes and surveys are free and with no obligation

Q. Is your work guaranteed?

A. All our work is fully guaranteed for 10 years through out association with the FMB (Association of Master Tradesmen). This ensures you can be sure about the quality of our work. The cost is 1.5% of the contract and .5% insurance tax.

Q. How much is the architects/building regulations fee?

A. For a loft conversion, taking into account the architect and building regulations fee, with structural calculations, the cost is around £1300+VAT. For an extension, depending on the size of the extension, the cost is roughly between £1200+VAT to £1800+VAT.

Q. What hours do you work?

A. We work Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.00pm and Saturday 8.00 am to 5.00pm. We don’t work on Sunday.

Q. Do we need to pay a deposit up front?

A. No. We work on 3/4 stages of payment depending on the size of the project, for example on a £22,000 loft:

• 1st Payment at end of first week of £12,000
• 2nd Payment at end of second week of £6,000
• Final Payment of £4,000 due on completion of work and when customer is happy.

Full details will be draw up in a contract and both parties will need to sign this each getting a copy.

If you have any other questions or need more information, please contact us, we’ll be more than happy to help.