FAQ’S

Can your loft be converted ?

 

With a little imagination and the help of some professional expertise, your loft could be transformed into versatile living space. A loft conversion allows you to add space without having to move (and will probably add value to your property as well). Loft conversions vary enormously in both cost and make-up. This partly depends on the size and the shape of the roof. Simple roof shapes are invariably easier to convert, but also much depends on how you choose to use your living space. Some roof spaces are more easily converted than others and a full assessment requires professional help. But the untrained eye can often work out the basics. Go up into your loft space and take a look around. Is there enough headroom at the centre under the ridge? You ideally need 8ft (2.4m) clearance, although you may find that you can still get a useful room from as little as 7ft (2.1m). A quick check with a tape measure will suffice. Also try to assess whether your roof was built using trussed rafters or purlins, as the latter is much easier to convert into usable loft space.

Traditional (pre 1965) rafter and purlin roof construction This type of roof, pre 1965, is ideal for loft conversions as it usually has a reasonably steep pitch and relatively clear spaces between the supporting framework.

Modern (post 1965) trussed rafter construction This type of roof, used widely in houses in Britain since 1965, usually has a shallow pitch and more struts. As a result they are more difficult to convert. Look out for thin sections of wood (typically 75mm or 3 inches deep) and tell-tale rectangular metal plates used to join the timber together.

Questions and answers on Lofts and the new planning regulations

The questions and answers have been arranged in a logical sequence rather than in order of frequency.
1
Is it true that carrying out a loft conversion has been made easier?

Yes, following changes to the planning regulations effective from 1October 2008, loft conversions have become easier and less costly to complete.
2
Why are they easier?

Under the changes to the planning regulations set out by the Department for Communities and Local Government in its Planning Portal www.planningportal.gov.uk the Government has removed the need to apply for planning permission for certain types of loft conversions.
3
What types of loft conversions are involved?

Under previous legislation it was necessary to apply for planning permission for many loft conversions. Now most loft conversions can be completed without planning approval.
4
What are the conditions for not applying for planning approval?

Any loft conversion not exceeding 40 cubic metres in volume for terraced houses and 50 cubic meters for detached and semi detached houses will not require planning permission on condition that:

* the conversion is no higher than the highest part of the roof
* the materials are similar in appearance to the existing house
* that there are no verandas, balconies or railed platforms involved
* no extension of the roof beyond the plane of the principal elevation that fronts the high way. This means that only roof windows can be installed on this roof slope whilst a dormer may be constructed at the rear (or side elevation – under further restrictions).

5
How big is 40 or 50m³?

50m³ would provide a loft area approximately 18′ x 12′ (5.5m x 3.7m), subject to roof pitch.
6
Are there any further restrictions on these new freedoms?

Yes, if the property is a listed property or is in a conservation area. In addition, certain minor requirements include:

* side facing windows to be obscure glazed (only if they are dormer windows)
* any opening to be 1.7m above the floor level.

7
Why does all this save me money and time?

A planning application may cost as much as £1,000 to complete. It will take time and may not always be granted. Now the cost and doubt has been removed.
8
Do I still need to comply with Building Regulations?

Yes, all loft conversions must comply with the Building Regulations.

We can include plans and submit to regs as part of our service
9
Why has the Government changed the rules?

We believe that under the previous rules, bearing in mind the increasing popularity of loft conversions, Planning Departments all over the UK were clogged up with such planning applications. Removing the need for planning approval will take pressure off the departments.
10
Do I need to tell my insurance company if I complete a loft conversion?

Yes, so that the additional space is covered in the event of a fire or other problem.
11
How can I tell if my loft is suitable for a conversion? Are there any height restrictions inside a loft conversion?

As a general rule the steeper the slope (pitch) the greater the potential living space. Houses built before the 1960′s are easier to convert because roofs were usually constructed from individual rafters (the traditional rafter and purlin roofs). This is ideal for a loft conversion as it usually has a reasonably steep pitch and relatively clear space between the supporting framework.

Since the 1960′s most roofs have been built from ‘trussed rafters’. These are factory assembled triangles which result in a lower pitch with more struts. Converting a roof constructed like this is a more complicated process as it requires timbers to be rearranged or the roof raised.

Although there are no regulations governing height, a minimum height of 2 metres approximately is needed over half the floor area to make a conversion worthwhile. As the existing joists were designed to hold up a ceiling, not to support a floor, it will probably be necessary to fit new joists (you may need to install steel joists to carry the new load) between the original ones and then to screw chipboard sheets to the new joists raising the level of the floor (at least 100mm), resulting in less headroom.
12
Where can I get a survey/quotation for completing a loft conversion?

Click here to contact us.. submit a quick email or call us on 0121 445 0826 .
Initial Survey and quotation is free
13
How much is a loft conversion likely to cost?

The cost depends on the type of property. The average loft conversion costs £20,000 – £27,000 depending on the design and how difficult the house is to convert.
15
Will a Loft Conversion add value to my house?
A loft extension may add at least £25,000 to £50,000 to the value of the house. Sometimes it could add a lot more providing it creates sleeping space with an en-suite bathroom.

Estate agents too say that a fourth bedroomis the singlemost valuable feature a family house can have and usually converting a loft is simpler than building an extension. Also leading mortgage lenders cite a loft conversion as the single best way of increasing a property’s value.

The Nationwide building society backs that up saying that 300 square feet of loft space converted into an en-suite bedroom could add more than 20% to the asking price when you come to sell and according to the Federation of Master Builders making use of the loft space can add as much as 15% to a property’s value.

The most important point to bear in mind is that a loft conversion should not look or feel like an add-on because if it does it will add less to the value of the house. The staircase is the key to making a conversion look as though it is part of the original house. Wherever possible the staircase should be a natural continuation of the original staircase so that the transition from ‘old’ to ‘new’ is seamless and within the conversion itself the style should follow that of the rest of the house ie skirting boards, architraves, picture rails, ceiling heights etc.
16
How much of the work can I do myself?

Structural work and alterations such as installing a staircase or strengthening the floor are best left to the experts but if you have the time and inclination huge savings can be made by doing some of the work yourself. – we can quote for a part loft conversion but you must be 100 confident
you can do the completion work because we wont be involved in any substandard loft conversion projects

17
How do I decide on the best product for gaining access to the loft space?

We only use bespoke quality manufactured stairs . We can show you options
18
How do I decide on the best model of roof window?

we offer a choice of timber or PVC roof windows. If you are converting your loft into a bathroom or the room has a high ceiling a PVC window would be a good choice as PVC is unaffected by high humidity and is virtually maintenance free. When it comes to timber windows unique lofts gives the customer who cares about protecting the environment the choice of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) roof windows. All timber in this range comes from FSC certified sources. Other ranges include Velux roof windows.
19
What is the best use of loft space?

A master bedroom with an en-suite is the most popular arrangement and will add the most value but remember bathrooms should be located as close as possible to existing waste pipes. Studios, studies and offices are also favourites.

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