Getting Started
Everyone needs more space. Whether it’s about growing family needs, teenagers returning from university, elder parents joining in or whatever the reason, space is the biggest need of every homeowner. Loft conversion is the ultimate solution that enables you to expand your home upwards. The unused attic space can be turned into amazing living spaces with loft conversion in England. It’s the most economical method than moving to a bigger house or when you don’t want to extend your home sideways or rear. TEL Constructions, the leading loft conversion company in London, brings to you this exclusive loft conversion guide that’ll walk you through all the things that come to your mind. So, let’s get started.
What is Loft Conversion
Loft Conversion is a process where new habitable space is created by transforming the existing space at the top of the house usually known as an attic. This space is typically underdeveloped, either it is empty or houses extra things from the home. If your attic space or loft is large enough, the process could be simple just as doing the flooring, wall, painting and installing new windows. Loft conversions are usually popular in places where there aren’t external spaces to extend or where getting planning permission for an extension is a tough task. According to industry experts and surveyors, a loft conversion with a bedroom and ensuite would increase the value of the property by more than 20%.
Is Loft Conversion Suitable For My Property?
The basic criteria for loft conversion are that your home should have sufficient space and a pitched roof. However, there may be certain loft spaces that are not suitable for conversion. Complicated or tricky spaces can be difficult to construct and can be costly as well. So, you must ensure that the final living space you’re getting after loft conversion is fully functional, useful and offers you a good return on investment (ROI). Here are certain factors that’ll help you understand whether your property is suitable for loft conversions or not.
You may be required to work with a loft conversion contractor to ensure that your property has solid foundations to take the load of the new property.
Types of Loft Conversion
There are multiple types of loft conversion available. It depends on the type of roof, your budget and for what purpose you want to use that loft. Here is a list of the most popular loft conversion types in the UK market. However, your construction contractor, builder or loft conversion company will be able to guide you to the best option for your property.
Benefits of Loft Conversion
Loft conversion comes with countless benefits, they not only add to living space but also add value to the property as well. Thereby, making it one of the most beneficial investments you make for your home. Have a look at some of the most prominent ones.
What All Spaces Can Be Created By Undergoing Loft Conversion
The space created by undergoing loft conversions can be used in a various way, such as:
Loft Conversion Stairs
While loft stairs aren’t the first thing that comes to mind, they do play a key role in making the loft accessible. It’s worth considering how much amount of space a staircase would take, what design would go best and other things. Even if you’re going for a space-saving staircase, it will probably take a sizeable chunk of that room. Make sure to consider the flow of your room as well as you’ll need to carry the furniture to the loft through stairs. There are certain things that you need to consider such as:
Do I Need Planning Permission For My Loft Conversion
Most of the loft conversions do not require planning permissions as they fall under the category of permitted developments. But there are certain parameters that you need to comply with else you’ll need to apply for planning permissions. These are:
To make sure your work falls under the category of permitted development, apply for a Lawful Development Certificate. By having this, you will be able to sell your property easily without any hassle.
What Building Regulations Do I Need To Consider
Building Regulations are designed to ensure the new construction is structurally sound and stands safe in all respects. You need to follow building regulations irrespective of whether planning permissions are applicable or not. Certain specific regulations need to be followed depending on the type of loft conversion. the basic regulations that are common for all are regarding fire safety, floor and beams, sound insulation, stairs, walls, thermal insulation, and bathroom. Don’t hesitate to speak to your loft conversion contractor or builder for detailed information.
Do I Need A Party Wall Agreement For Loft Conversion
If you have a shared wall with your neighbours and you need to undergo structural changes with it, you need to seek a Party Wall agreement signed. This happens when you have semi-detached or terraced properties. A Party Wall Surveyor will be allocated for the smooth completion of the process. The sole purpose is to notify the neighbours and seek their willingness to perform the changes to the shared wall.
How Long Does A Loft Conversion Take
Loft conversions usually take from six to twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Some basic conversions such as rooflight (Velux) may get completed even in a month. Many other factors affect the completion time of the project such as:
Contact your loft conversion builder. Make sure that you have a written deadline for your project and also have contingency plans in case delays occur.
Loft Conversion Costs
The cost of loft conversion depends on the type you have chosen, the complexity and what features you want to add. The cost will shoot with a mansard, hip-to-gable, and dormer loft conversion. However, rooflight conversions are the cheapest and the most basic ones. Other factors that affect the cost of loft conversion are your location, labour costs, transportation costs, roof complexity, and submission of planning permission application (if applicable). Apart from these construction costs, there are professional costs involved as well such as building regulation fees, Lawful Development Certificate fees, Structural design fees and much more. When you work with a reputed and trusted loft conversion company such as TEL Constructions, you will get the best quality work at the most competitive prices in the market.
Technical Considerations When Undertaking Loft Conversion
While undertaking a loft conversion, there are certain technical considerations that you need to be aware of such as you’re your roof structure (trussed or traditional), bathroom installation, accessing the loft’s headroom, lighting, insulation and more.
Which Are The Best Windows For Loft Conversion
There are mainly two types of windows that are popularly used in loft conversions. These are dormer windows and rooflight windows. Rooflight windows are installed in the pitch line of the roof. They don’t need any planning permission and are the most affordable option to ensure the home is illuminated and well-ventilated. For dormer windows, you get extra space too. They work best when the roof pitch is high.
Adding A Bathroom In A Loft Conversion
When you plan to go for a bedroom loft conversion, it becomes a necessity to have a bathroom upstairs. If you’re planning to have an attached bathroom or an ensuite, inform your loft conversion contractor early in the design phase itself. This will certainly add to your costs, increased timelines, and disruption levels too. To get a bedroom with an ensuite would require a professional and experienced building contractor and the best plumber. The challenges that are faced during bathroom loft conversion are:
The loft construction specialist should ensure that the bathroom floor is constructed beautifully to deal with leaks, dampness, and flooding.
Will A Loft Conversion Affect My Home Insurance
While your loft conversion company must have an insurance plan, it is advisable to inform your home insurance company. It is vital as you are carrying major structural changes to your property and loft conversion falls in this category. By not informing your home insurance company you’re risking the invalidity of your home insurance policy.
While the work is in progress, the insurance provider company may provide you a cover. When the work is finished, you may return to your original and amended policy that covers your new area as well. Don’t forget to share the new addition details and new value of your home with your insurance provider.
Tips For Smooth Loft Conversion
As a homeowner, here are some tips that you may follow to ensure a seamless and smooth process for your loft conversion.
Choosing A Builder
TEL Constructions is one of the leading loft conversion companies in London offering a comprehensive range of loft conversions. With a rich legacy and diverse industry experience, we have converted countless lofts into habitable spaces. We follow a purely professional approach from start to finish. Our experts will guide you in every step of the project from the moment you share your enquiry to the moment you step into your newly converted loft. We are TrustMark registered and a member of Federation of Master Builders. Just share your requirements with and we assure you that provide the best quote in the market.
Winding Up
Loft conversion is an excellent way to add habitable space when you’re facing a space crunch. It’s a much more affordable and better option than to move to a new house or struggle for planning permission for house extensions. Looking for more information on loft conversion? Speak to us or share your enquiries by filling out the form on the Contact Us page. Reach out to TEL Constructions today and get your free quotation for loft conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a loft conversion add value to your property?
A well-designed and professionally constructed loft space will add more than 20% value to your existing property. Having a bedroom with an ensuite will offer you maximum returns. A property with a loft conversion will be preferred by the potential buyers over a property that doesn’t have the loft converted.
2. Where is the best place for a loft conversion staircase?
The best location to place the loft staircase is in line with the ridge beam or roof ridge. This will ensure maximum headroom for the staircase. However, the location of the staircase will also depend on the floor beneath. You need to work over the space where you can gain the amount of headroom as stated in the building regulations. Some other options to increase the height or headroom are by installing dormer or rooflight windows. You can also convert a hipped end to a gable to achieve the desired height.
3. Which loft conversion offers the maximum space?
L-shaped dormer loft conversion offers the maximum space that too in your budget. It is popular amongst the terraced properties. This involves constructing two dormers. The first one will be on the main roof and the second over the extended space at the rear. This will give you a space which is almost as much as a full storey.
4. Are new joists required for a loft conversion?
In most cases, especially properties having trussed roofs, new floor joists, beams and roof members would be required. This is done to ensure that the new loft conversion is structurally stable and does not overload the floors and walls supporting them.
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