8 Main steps for building a loft conversion Step 1: Go into the loft If you have not been there for some time, then pull down the ladder and look properly. You may raise the roof’s ridge or lower the floor though this can be costly and needs planning permission.
- Step 1: inspection of roof space. ...
- An architect or surveyor confirms suitability. ...
- Step 3: Plans are made. ...
- Step 4: the loft is cleared. ...
- Step 5: rewiring is assessed. ...
- Step 6: floor insulation. ...
- Step 7: floorboards are laid. ...
- Step 8: rafters reinforced.
Will a loft conversion really add value?
Nov 26, 2016 · Finishing a Loft Conversion after the main structure is in place normally takes a lot longer than the initial build of the structure. Windows, doors, stairs, plumbing, electrics etc all need to be installed. Surfaces need to be applied including roofing, flooring, plastering, tiling etc. Lots of different tradespeople may be required and they will need to be booked in in the right …
Is loft conversion a good idea?
A Typical Loft Conversion Schedule Do I Need Planning Permission for my Loft Conversion? Step-by-Step of a Loft Conversion: The roof space is inspected for suitability. An architect or surveyor will confirm suitability and create plans. The loft is cleared and prepped. Rewiring is assessed. New floor joists fitted. Floors are insulated.
How much will my loft conversion cost?
Feb 13, 2021 · When it comes to loft conversions, however, staircase headroom can be 1.8m to the side of a stair, and 1.9m in the centre. The highest part of the loft, in line with the roof ridge, is an ideal location for a staircase to land, therefore.
How to plan your loft conversion?
There are lots of tricky steps to planning a loft conversion project. Our step-by-step guide takes you through deciding whether your loft can be converted, choosing an architect or builder and getting the right permissions.
HOW LONG DOES A loft conversion take?
On average, loft conversions can be done in as little as 4 weeks or may take up to 8 weeks, with certain styles less complex than others.Dec 17, 2020
What permission do you need for a loft conversion?
Most loft conversions are considered permitted development, which means you won't need to get planning permisson as long as the building work fits certain criteria. So, if you're looking to get a simple conversion with roof windows, you generally don't need to worry (but it's best to check).May 19, 2021
Can my Neighbour stop my loft conversion?
You do not normally need permission from your neighbours for your loft conversion, nor Planning Permission from your council (as loft conversions are usually counted as “Permitted Development”, but you may need to have a Party Wall Agreement if the project is in a terraced or semi-detached property.Nov 24, 2021
Do I need architect for loft conversion?
No, it is not mandatory to have architecture drawings for the loft conversion. However, if your conversion is one of these types, then I would say you should get loft conversion drawings. This is because they change the exterior appearance of the house.Sep 19, 2020
How tall should a loft be?
Take a tape measure and run it from the floor to the ceiling at the tallest part of the room. If it's 2.2m or more, your loft should be tall enough to convert. Victorian houses tend to be lower than those built from 1930 onwards, so may not have sufficient head height.
What is a truss in a loft?
Trusses are supports that run through the cross-section of the loft. Converting a loft with trusses is possible, but extra structural support is needed to replace the trusses, and it's likely to be more costly. You can see examples of these in the gallery below by scrolling to the final two images.
What is roof conversion?
Roof light conversions are by far the cheapest and least disruptive option, as you won't have to make any changes to the shape or pitch of the roof. Instead, it's simply a case of adding in skylight windows, laying down a proper floor, and adding a staircase to make the room habitable.
How to tell what type of roof you have?
Check what type of roof you have. Depending on when it was built, your house will either have roof trusses or rafters. By looking through your loft hatch, you should be able to tell straight away what type of roof you have. Rafters run along the edge of the roof and will leave most of the triangular space below hollow.
How does a hip to gable roof work?
Hip-to-gable conversions work by extending the sloping 'hip' roof at the side of your property outwards to create a vertical 'gable' wall, creating more internal loft space. This type of conversion will only work on detached or semi-detached houses, as it requires a free sloping side roof.
What is mansard extension?
Mansard extensions run along the whole length of your house's roof and will alter the angle of the roof slope, making it almost vertical. These tend to be the most expensive type of conversion, but will result in a significant amount of extra space.
Step 1: Go into the loft
If you have not been there for some time, then pull down the ladder and look properly. You may raise the roof’s ridge or lower the floor though this can be costly and needs planning permission.
Step 2: Choose a good architect
This is believed to be the most thrilling part of your project. You need to hire a good architect who may guide through the project from the start to the end. You will find different kinds of loft conversion in London and so, you need the suitable solution that will fit your home and lifestyle.
Step 3: Know the permitted development rights
Other than lifting the ridge of roof, you do not require planning permission for a loft conversion.
Step 4: Obtain your lawful development certificate
Even though you convert the loft under your permitted development rights, make sure you use floor plans, 3D renders and elevations for the lawful development certificate. This ensures your project will be approved so that you are protected at the time of selling your house.
Step 5: Say hello to the neighbours
According to experts of a loft conversion company in London, you need to hire an engineer who will take an overview of your property. It is suggested to do it early and stay away from costly changes as well as delays at the last hour. It is important to take the consent of your neighbor for developing a party wall.
What is loft conversion?
Loft conversion is the most popular choice for people trying to create an extra living space in the UK. Lofts are traditionally considered damp areas that house old furniture and Christmas decorations among other items. However, a loft can give you the extra space you need without extensions that consume part of your garden.
What is the cheapest way to convert a loft?
Roof lights: These are the cheapest loft conversion because they are built by simply converting the existing loft space. These types of loft conversion require very few changes to the roof space. The alteration made while constructing roof lights include cutting out windows on the existing roof slope, insulating the loft, and strengthening the floor.
How tall is a trussed roof?
The minimum height you’ll need for a traditional roof is 2.2 to 2.4 meters. The minimum height for modern trussed roof is 2.4 to 2.6 meters. Space: Is the loft space enough to be converted into a usable roof.
What are the factors that determine a loft conversion?
Based on the aforementioned factors, you have three types of loft conversion to consider. They include internal loft conversions, dormer loft conversions, and conversions that need the removal and restructuring of the roof.
Can a dormer be added to a loft?
Dormers can also be added to the front or sides of your house. After a dormer loft conversion, the additional space created is large enough to be used as an additional bedroom, home office or study room among others. If you opt for a dormer loft conversion, there are five types of conversions you can choose from.
Do you have to fit windows on the roof for a loft conversion?
When fitting windows for your loft conversion project, you don’t have to make significant structural alterations to accommodate skylight windows and roof-light if it’s your first time handling a loft conversion project. In most cases, windows are fitted on either side of the roof-flight.
What are the different types of dormers?
They include single dormer, full width dormer, side dormer, L-shaped dormer, and Hip-to-Gable dormer. Single Dormer: These types of dormers are preferred in areas with strict conservation rules.
Need A New Loft Stairs For Your Existing Loft Or A New Loft Conversion?
Loft stairs are one thing that need a bit of ingenuity when planning one.
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This one is an off the shelf stairs called a Gamia Mini Plus Space Saver staircase.
How TVM Loft Delivery Your New Lofts
We know each stage is important to us both, so here is a brief summary of what we do, and what each stage entails.
Stage One – Have An Idea or Need More Space
Something, at some point will trigger the need to make more space in your home. This might be a growing family, or simply the want for a luxury space for yourself.
Stage Two – Initial Survey & Design
After contacting us, we’ll book a time slot to come over to your home. Don’t worry, we’ll ring you in advance if we are going to arrive outside that time!
Stage Three – Drawings & Final Quote
Once you’ve decided you want to proceed, then next we get a full set of architectural drawings done and an engineering report. This means a second visit to take detailed measurements, which usually take about an hour to complete.
Stage Four – Planning Permission & Scheduling
Once you’ve reviewed the quote, and you’re happy to proceed, we’ll start the process of getting planning permission for your project. This is a slick process now as we know what to put forward to complete this quickly on your behalf.
Stage Five – Installation of your new loft
Long before any works starts, we’ll be busy preparing everything for your loft conversions. We take into consideration the Party Wall regulations and order all the materials ready for the big start. A few days before we do, scaffolding will be placed around the property to make it safe and secure to complete the work ahead.
Stage Six – Sign-off & Guarantee
Once the work comes to completion, we’ll be working to get your building regulations signed-off, as well as any sign-off needed by the local planning authority if needed. The final paperwork to be completed will be your 10 year guarantee for the work we have completed, so you now have full peace of mind.
Do You Have Sufficient Headroom for Your Loft Conversion Stairs?
Ensuring that there’s the right amount of headroom above your loft conversion stairs is of fundamental importance, as it can be virtually impossible to rectify matters retrospectively.
How Much Headroom Do You Need?
Studio 8Fold positioned this staircase to maximise the flow of natural light throughout the house. Rooflights and clerestory windows have been positioned above to create a sun-soaked channel through the centre of the property (Image credit: Adam Firman)
What Can I Do if I Have Insufficient Headroom for my Loft Conversion Stairs?
The main challenge when designing loft conversion stairs is that there always seems to be an inconvenient roof slope just at the point where you want them to enter the loft.
Designing Your Loft Conversion Stairs
New loft conversion stairs generally work best where they’re designed to match the existing main stairs, ideally appearing indistinguishable from those in the original house. This doesn’t mean they have to be configured as a straight flight, however.
Make Sure Your Loft Conversion Stairs Meet Fire Regulations
But whatever style your new loft stairs ultimately take, they will need to comply with fire regulations.
Look Out for Space-saving Options Where Space is Tight
Where space is very tight, and conventional stairs simply can’t be made to work, the Building Regulations provide a certain amount of flexibility. Building Control has discretion in these matters, so it’s important to hammer out the details at the design stage.
